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AN ACCOUNT 



ORIGIN, SYMPTOMS, AND CURE 



INFLUENZA 



EPIDEMIC CATAERH? 



WITH SOME HINTS RESPECTING 



COMMON COLDS 



INCIPIENT PUJLMON ART CONSUMPTION. 



/* 



PHILADELPHIA: 
HENRY H. PORTER. PUBLISHER. 

Literary Rooms, 121 Chesnut St. 

T. Tov.-::, Printer. 

1852 



1 

■r 






ENTERED according to the Act of Congress, in the year 183i ? 
by Henry H. Porter, in the clerk's office of the District Court of 
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



ON THE 



INFLUENZA, $c, 



It has been well remarked by a celebrated writer,* 
that "to make any thing very terrible, obscurity 
seems, in general, to be necessary. When we know 
the full extent of any danger, when we can accustom 
our eyes to it, a great deal of the apprehension van- 
ishes. " This sentiment finds ample confirmation in 
the history of epidemic diseases. On their first ap- 
pearance they create great dread among the people 
at large, who making fear a guide to ignorance, 
anticipate the most frightful consequences from a di- 
sease, merely because its origin and nature are un- 
known to them. And yet, as if to illustrate another 
principle of human nature, that novelty, just enough 
to excite curiosity, is always preferred to known and 
appreciable facts, people seem averse to engage in that 
patient inquiry which would lead them to a true know- 
ledge of epidemic diseases, and which, by enabling 

* Burke. 



them to discover the means of prevention and cure, 
would free them from the terrors its first appearance 
had inspired. It would seem as if excitement of the 
feelings even of a morbid nature were preferred to the 
healthy exercise of intellect. Obscurity affects the 
passions: clearness and demonstrative knowledge af- 
ford them no aliment; but create simply an intellec- 
tual pleasure, and that one of a secondary nature to 
mankind in general. If there be an apparent excep- 
tion to this principle, it proceeds from another cause, 
viz. the. effects of habit People may, after a time, 
cease to dread an epidemic disease, because they 
have in a manner become familiarized with its lead- 
ing features ; but let there be any notable change in 
them and their alarm is renewed. So long as they 
are ignorant, they are swayed by contending emo- 
tions and driven to a course of conduct as absurdly 
timid in the first instance, as it is criminally indiffer- 
ent and heedless in the second. 

Even if explanations are offered, those which excite 
wonderment, and continually work on their fears, 
are preferred by the people at large to those which 
are based upon the known and admitted laws of ex- 
perimental philosophy. When Fracastrious, physi- 
cian to the council of Trent, was persuaded to frighten 
the prelates composing it, in order to have their sit- 



tings removed to Bologna, under the papal jurisdic- 
tion, he proclaimed the disease at that time prevailing, 
to he contagious ; and among other wonderful tales, he 
told of a leather cap, which was the bearer of a conta- 
gious principle, and which worn by twenty-five Ger- 
mans in succession, caused the death of each. So again, 
the marvellous account of the origin of the plague, 
which ravaged Malta in 1813, met with more ready 
credence than a more natural and common explanation 
would have done, it was said that the disease was in- 
troduced into the chief city of that island by means 
of a piece of morocco leather, which a cobbler had 
smuggled on shore, by the agency of a friend, from 
on board a vessel in the harbour. 

On this principle of a love of the marvellous, the 
ancients supposed the visitation of an epidemic di- 
sease, to be the infliction of punishment by some one 
of their offended deities ; and hence the advice as 
we find it in the Iliad : 

" Let then some Prophet, or some sacred sage, 
Explore the cause of great Apollo's rage 5 
If broken vows the heavy curse have laid, 
Let altars smoke and hecatombs be paid: 
So, Heaven aton'd, shall dying Greece restore. 
And Phoebus dart his burning shafts no more." 





The Turk prays to Mohamed and resigns him- 
self to disease without enquiry, not caring whence it 
originates nor how it maybe arrested in its course, 
or mitigated in its severity. The Franks, or peo- 
ple of Christendom, and we may add the inha- 
bitants of the United States, while pitying the 
ignorance and apathy of the Turks, plume them- 
selves on their superior science and knowledge in de- 
vising and carrying into effect a system of quarantine 
regulations, and restrictive sanitary laws* Perhaps, 
were a rigid analysis to be made of the true value of 
these regulations, we should find them to be rather a 
display of learned folly than of real wisdom ; and that 
men submit to the onerous restrictions which they im- 
pose, more on account of the mummery which is call- 
ed into action on the occasion, than from any real 
conviction of their utility. Reliance on them leads, we 
believe, to an apathy more philosophical in theory, 
but fully as dangerous in fact as the Turk's fatalism* 

After all, when we consider the extensive spread 
and rapid progress of epidemical diseases, and 
the very great mortality with which many of 
them are attended, it must still seem surprising 
that so little desire should be exhibited by those 
out of the medical profession to become ac- 
quainted with the history of their origin and propa- 



gation. The whole of these diseases, however 
varied may be the character they assume, or the 
danger by which they are attended, present a close 
relation to each other, in the circumstances of their 
sudden appearance, often after seasons of uncommon 
health, in their rapidly sweeping over a large tract of 
country, if not the entire surface of the globe, and 
finally, in the suddenness of their cessation. As we 
are unable to ascertain a priori, the period or point 
of their attack, any more than the limits at which their 
progress shall be stayed, few subjects present them- 
selves of greater interest to the community at large. 
Every member of it is liable, sooner or later, to 
become their victim, and hence, a knowledge of 
their nature and of the phenomena by which they are 
preceded and accompanied, is to all, of the very 
first importance. 

An acquaintance with the principal facts connected 
with the rise and spread of epidemics, is not only 
necessary as a means of promoting personal security 
and comfort during their visitations; but it is also es- 
sential for the direction of those, who in their legisla- 
tive capacity, are called upon to devise measures 
calculated to inspire confidence in the public, and to 
guard effectually against the invasion of disease. 
Ignorance in this particular has given rise to bur- 



thensome and unnecessary restrictions upon the free- 
dom of commercial intercourse between nations, and 
to the imposition of long and vexatious quarantines, 
by which the interests of all parties have been mate- 
rially affected. The same ignorance and the fears 
which it engenders have, in private life, increased the 
number of victims to the reigning malady, and aug- 
mented to the highest degree the danger, privations 
and sufferings of the sick. These causes have, in 
times of general distress, such as always attends the 
general prevalence of severe disease, rendered torpid 
the charities of our nature, and led to a disregard of 
the most solemn duties of life, 

" Dependants, friends, relations, love itself 

Forget the tender tie, 

The sweet endearments of the feeling heart." 

Self-presevation from imaginary dangers engrosses 
every thought, while the sick, the dying, and the 
dead, are alike subject to desertion. A very slight 
attention given to the study of epidemics and to the 
general laws by which they are governed, would 
banish from our statute books, enactments which in 
the present enlightened age, reflect not a little discredit 
upon the nation by which they are upheld, and would 
render every one in those periods of universal gloom, 



9 

when our cities become literally the dwelling places 
of pestilence and death, capable of forming a correct 
estimate of his own danger, and of performing with- 
out fear, the duties which he owes as well to those of 
his own household as to the community at large. 

But it is not our intention in the present essay to 
enter upon the general subject of epidemics. We 
propose merely to give a short history of the influ- 
enza or epidemical catarrh, which during the present 
winter, has spread so extensively over nearly the 
whole of the United States ; to describe its symptoms, 
and to offer a few remarks upon its proper treatment. 

The influenza presents a most striking illustration 
of what is meant by an epidemical disease, while 
the phenomena connected with it, place in a very 
clear light the difference which exists between a 
disease dependent solely upon some general morbid 
cause, to which all are equally exposed, and one 
which is propogated by a contagion communicated 
from one individual to another, or which being pro- 
duced by some local cause, affects those only who 
come within the narrow limits to which this cause is 
capable of extending itself. 

We shall at the same time take occasion to direct 

the attention of our readers to the following points : 

1st. The illustration which this catarrh affords of an 
2 



10 

epidemical, in contrast with a contagious disease. 
2d. The precautions which it is proper to adopt 
under the circumstances — precautions, by the way, 
which will be found useful beyond the present sea- 
son, and long after the present livery of disease shall 
be changed. 

Except in its greater diffusion, and attacking at 
the same time such a number of persons, scattered 
over a vast extent of country, the influenza exhib- 
its no symptom nor set of symptoms, distinct from 
common catarrh, or a cold, as it is called in popu- 
lar language, unless, perhaps we admit a greater ten- 
dency to gastric distress, and occasionally disturban- 
ces of the biliary organs. Of its depending on the state 
of the air, we are not allowed to doubt; since this is the 
only common agent or cause to which people other- 
wise so differently circumstanced are exposed. The 
disaf.se cannot have a local or terrestrial origin . 
otherwise we should find it in particular districts and 
exposures, to the exclusion of others. It is, there- 
fore, strictly epidemical ; that is, it attacks a great 
number of persons at the same time, and extends 
over a whole country. It is not endemical, since 
it has not a fixed or stated cause, peculiar to the 
country. Nor does it remain without change or va- 
riation for many years, or for a particular season in 



11 

many years ; as in the examples of remittent and 
intermittent, or of yellow fevers. The disease in ques- 
tion, or the influenza, is not contagious ; for although 
it is common for members of the same family to be 
attacked by it in succession ; at other times they are 
simultaneously affected, or in such rapid succession as 
to forbid the supposition of one person communicating 
the disease to another. Sometimes all the members 
except one in a family are assailed ; sometimes one 
alone is affected, and the others enjoy exemption 
from its attack. A contagious disease, on the other 
hand, can have but one specific origin, viz. the ap- 
plication of the morbid matter to the living body ; it 
is nearly uniform in its symptoms and progress, at- 
tacking always the same order of parts, and in a cer- 
tain mode of progression. Its operation may be 
quickened by other causes ; but no one or all of 
them can produce it, unless the specific cause or mor- 
bid matter be applied ? -— as of small-pox, &c. 

Of all the known epidemics, the influenza is the 
one which extends itself the most quickly and to the 
greatest extent. In all its various visitations it has 
either occurred simultaneously over a whole conti- 
nent, or has spread with an amazing rapidity from one 
country to another, until finally every portion of the 
habitable globe is included in its circuit. Passing 



12 

the widest seas, it has attacked the inhabitants of 
opposite continents, who had not the slightest inter- 
course with each other. Its effects have also been 
traced at sea as well as upon land. At the same time 
that the inhabitants of the country from which he 
has sailed, or to which he is destined, are attacked 
with the disease, the sailor in the midst of the ocean, 
thousands of miles from any shore, feels its influ- 
ence. 

In 1782, the fleet of Lord Anson sailed for the 
coast of Holland, and that of Admiral Kempenfelt 
for France. The crews of both fleets were in perfect 
health at the time of sailing, but in the same month, 
almost in the same week, both were attacked very 
generally with the influenza, so much so that the 
latter fleet was obliged to return home for want of 
hands to man it. 

Analogous examples of the extent and sameness 
of atmospheric constitution, are furnished in other 
epidemics. At Malta and at Waliachia, in the 
northern part of Turkey, in 1813, the plague began, 
increased, declined, and ceased, at similar periods ; 
the former having police and quarantine establish- 
ments of the most perfect kind, and the latter none. 
The greatest mortality occurred at both places in the 
months of July, August, and September. And it 



13 

may be mentioned here, as a remarkable circum- 
stance, concerning the epidemic (yellow fever,) of 
Spain in 1804, that in three of the principal towns, 
Cadiz, Gibraltar, and Alicant, the greatest mortality 
happened upon the same day, viz. the 9th of Oc- 
tober. 

In 1781 and ? 82, the influenza appears to have 
shewn itself first in China, and to have spread through 
Asia into Europe, from whence, crossing the Atlan- 
tic* it extended itself, in the ensuing year ? to America, 
the whole continent of which it traversed, from the 
Canadas to Peru, illustrating another observation 
respecting epidemics, that in countries subject to 
them, the vitiated atmosphere is often in an ascer- 
tained direction. The fever which in 1809, 1810, and 
1811, afflicted the districts adjacent to the Fylney 
mountains in the East Indies, travelled with a certain 
degree of regularity in one quarter from north to 
south, and in another quarter from south to north. 

In its several visitations in this country the epi- 
demic has generally made its appearance in one of 
the eastern states, and has extended southward along 
the sea board with more or less rapidity. In 1807, 
however, it appears to have shewn itself first in New 
York, spreading thence, as from a centre, in every 
direction. It reached Canada in October, and ex- 



14 

tended to the western and southern states, and even 
to Havanna, in the course of three months. The 
amazing rapidity with which it diffused itself over 
the whole country, resembled more the fleetness of 
the wind than the natural course of a disease ; al- 
most the entire population of a city, town, or neigh- 
bourhood, became in a few days subjected to its in- 
fluence ; and as it seldom incapacitated those affected 
by it from pursuing their ordinary occupations, it 
was common to observe in every street and place of 
resort, such coughing, hawking, and wheezing, as to 
interrupt conversation 5 while in public assemblies 
the voice of the speaker, itself scarcely audible from 
the hoarseness produced by disease, was completely 
drowned by the coughing concert kept up by his 
auditory. In its occurrence during the present win- 
ter, nearly the same phenomena have been observed ; 
very shortly after it made its first appearance in Phi- 
ladelphia, most of the inhabitants of the city and 
surrounding country, were affected by it to a greater 
or less extent, while subsequently it has attacked the 
inhabitants of nearly every part of the United States. 
Some months previously to its appearance here, it 
prevailed extensively in a very severe form in London 
and various other parts of England. 

Some idea of the quickness with which the disease 



15 

extends itself from place to place, may be formed 
from the foregoing statements, and the following ad- 
ditional facts. 

In 1732, the influenza made its appearance in Ed- 
inburgh, about the 17th of December, having pre- 
viously been epidemic in Saxony, Hanover, and the 
neighbouring states of Germany in the month of No- 
vember. 

In 1733, it commenced at London and iu Flanders 
during the first week of January; at Paris, about 
the middle of the same month, and in Ireland, to- 
wards its termination ; at Leghorn, about the mid- 
dle of February, and at Naples and Madrid, near 
the end of the month. This same year it made its 
appearance in America, about the middle of October, 
being, as usual, first observed in the New England 
states. It was soon afterwards prevalent in the 
islands of Barbadoes and Jamaica, and in a few 
months is said to have extended to Mexico, and to 
Peru. 

In 1789, the influenza made its appearance first 
in New- York, in the month of September, and was 
prevalent during the same month in Philadelphia; 
soon after, it spread over the whole of the eastern and 
southern states, and to the army in the north-western 
erritory, under the command of General Wayne. 



16 

The first appearance of the disease in the island of 
Jamaica was, on the 20th of October, about one 
month after its occurrence in Philadelphia. At Gre- 
nada it appeared in November, and at St. Lucia, 
towards the close of December. But it is not neces- 
sary to pursue these details ; all that we wish to im. 
press upon the reader's mind, is the celerity with 
which the disease spreads itself over immense tracts 
of country. This, and the simultaneousness with 
which the greater part of an immense population 
experience its effects, are the striking features which 
distinguish it from endemical diseases, or those which 
are confined exclusively to the inhabitants of parti- 
cular districts. These diseases are, very generally, 
traceable to some local cause, connected either with 
the soil, the prevalent winds, or exposure from the 
occupations and habits of the people. But endemi- 
cal maladies again, are not, as we have already said, 
to be confounded with contagious ones, or those com- 
municated, from the sick to those who come in im- 
mediate contact with them. The former may, it is 
true, affect at once all who come within the sphere 
of the morbid influence upon which they depend. 
Unlike epidemics, they are never, however, widely 
spread 5 and never extend to the neighbouring places 
much less to distant countries ; though they may be 



17 

generated at various points, provided the same mor- 
bid cause be present there. 

Contagious diseases, are still more limited in their 
spread. They invariably commence at one or two 
points, and are slowly diffused among the community 
by means of persons actually attacked, and who 
sicken in succession after the contact or touch of 
the healthy with the diseased. The contagion is 
active only within a few feet of the individual in 
whom it is evolved, beyond that, it is perfectly 
inert. When diseases of this class are propogated 
to distant parts, it is always by the removal thence 
of an individual labouring at the time under the di- 
sease ; or by the conveyance of the poison, as in th© 
case of small-pox virus, which may be occasionally 
effected by its being combined with clothing or arti- 
cles of merchandize; though few contagious diseases, 
are, we believe, capable of being conveyed to any 
distance in this manner. The decomposition which 
the poison undergoes, unless care be purposely 
taken to prevent it, renders it in a very short time 
incapable of communicating disease. 

We then find, that in the case of endemical ma- 
ladies they may be effectually avoided by removal to 
a short distance from the infected district, and may 



18 

often be completely eradicated by removing the 
local causes to which they owe their origin ; and 
in case of diseases strictly contagious, avoiding 
contact with the sick, or the chambers in which they 
are confined, is an effectual security against their 
attack. These latter, may, likewise, be effectually 
excluded from a city by preventing the admission of 
persons labouring under them, or of merchandize and 
articles which may be suspected to be imbued with the 
matter of contagion. But none of these facts are true 
in relation to epidemics. Flying from the place where 
they now prevail may postpone, but will not certainly 
prevent their attack. Thus had any one, in order to 
escape the influenza in the present year, quitted 
London, during its prevalence there in the autumn, 
for New- York or Philadelphia, he would have found 
that the disease had preceded him, and if he took up 
the line of march until he had encompassed the 
globe, in all probability, he would find no greater 
safety. So also, in regard to a system of non-inter- 
course, or of quarantine regulations, the most strictly 
enforced, either or both would be perfectly ineffec- 
tual in keeping out the unwelcome visiter. 

The influenza has been noticed by medical wri- 
ters, from a very early period, though from some 



19 

trifling variations in the symptoms by which it was 
accompanied at different times, it has received a 
variety of names. From the time of Hippocrates to 
that of Sydenham, who wrote in the latter part of 
the seventeenth century, it was generally denomina- 
ted by physicians, the epidemic cough, or the epi- 
demic catarrhal fever. The term influenza, by which 
it is now so generally known, was appropriated to it 
by the Italian Physicians, from a supposition that it 
owed its origin to planetary influence. 

The disease has occurred and spread over nearly 
the whole of Europe upwards of twenty different 
times, between the years 1510 and 1826. In Ame- 
rica, the disease, is known to have occurred as early 
as 1674, and it was again epidemic in New England 
in June of the succeeding year ; while in the years 
1733, 49, 61, 89, 90, 91, and 93, and in 1802, 3, 7, 
16, and 26, it extended over the greater part of 
North America. 

Although the influenza, like other catarrhal affec- 
tions, has occurred most frequently towards the latter 
end of autumn, during the winter or in spring, some 
of its visitations have nevertheless happened during 
midsummer. Its ordinary course has been from north 
to south; though occasionally it has spread from east 



20 

to west, and vice versa. Its continuance in one 
place has varied from a few weeks to several months. 
It has been said that the same individual is not liable 
to be twice attacked with it during the same epide- 
mic ; this, however, is incorrect, as we have known 
in many instances a decided attack to recur. 

Dr. Parr describes the influenza, which was so 
prevalent in Great Britain in 1782, to have commenced 
in Exeter, the place of his residence, the 22d or 23d 
of May, and continued until the 14th of July. Such 
excessive minuteness, by the way, respecting the in- 
vasion of a disease like the one in question, may lead 
to suspicions of its accuracy. 

In regard to the precise nature of the cause by 
which the influenza is caused and propogated, there 
exists much obscurity. Epidemics have elicited a very 
great deal of attention from the first dawn of medical 
science up to the present period ; the phenomena by 
which they are preceded and accompanied, have been 
noted with more or less care and minuteness; the 
laws which govern their rise and extension, are by 
many supposed to be accurately ascertained, but into 
their efficient cause no one has as yet been able to 
penetrate. The influence of the moon and the other 
planets has been referred to as explanatory of their 



21 

production by some ; meteoric causes and terrestrial 
exhalations by others ; electricity by a third ; while 
a fourth, and large class, believe them all to be de- 
pendent upon some occult change in the constitution 
of the atmosphere, inscrutable to our senses, and to- 
tally inexplicable in the present state of our know- 
ledge. In reference to the epidemic under considera- 
tion, Weber, a German physician of some note, be- 
lieves that he has traced its production to a state of 
negative electricity in the air, and in accordance with 
this belief, he recommends the whimsical expedient 
of socks to the feet, composed of the most powerful 
non-conductors, as a certain preventive against its 
attack. 

In support of the belief in the agency of elec- 
tricity in causing epidemics, we are told that they 
have often immediately preceded or followed earth- 
quakes, to the production of which, great elec- 
trical changes in our globe and the circumambient 
air, do w T e know, largely contribute. The great 
earthquake in South America, in 1730, was soon 
succeeded by a pestilential fever. The destruction 
of Port Royal in Jamaica, in 1692, was, also, soon 
followed by a virulent fever in all parts of the island. 
At Yenice, in 1343, the plague was speedily followed 
by an earthquake. Confirmatory of the supposition of 



22 

abnormal electrical changes ia the atmosphere, dar- 
ing pestilential periods, are the appearances of me- 
teors or celestial lights, in the shape of blueish fiery 
globes, falling stars, flame, &c. 

Each of the foregoing explanations of the produc- 
tions of epidemics, is supported by many highly 
ingenious arguments ; but however much of plausi- 
bility we may be inclined to allow to many of them, 
they all completely fail in explaining satisfactorily 
the occurrence, spread, extent, and sudden cessation, 
of this class of diseases. 

"When we consider the peculiar features of the 
epidemical catarrh, as they have already been de- 
scribed, — its simultaneous occurrence in places wide- 
ly separated from each other ; the number of persons 
attacked by it at one and the same time : its quick ex- 
tension from one country to another, they all prove, 
we conceive, very clearly, that it depends for its origin 
in the first instance, as well as for its subsequent pro- 
pogation, upon some cause connected with the atmos- 
phere. It is evident that the disease must depend 
upon something which is common to an entire popu- 
lation, or to an entire continent, and we know of 
nothing that is so, save the air we breathe. We 
are not all exposed at the same time to other causes* 
which might be presumed sufficient to produce the 



23 

disease in question, nor are we subject to them in all 
circumstances and at all times — it is the air alone 
which surrounds us all externally, and which is ta- 
ken in by all in respiration.^ 

In regard to this doctrine of an atmospheric intem- 
peries as the cause of influenza, as well as of other 
epidemics, a word of explanation is necessary. We 
are not by any means to imagine that the morbid 
change, whatever it may be, takes place at the same 
time throughout the whole extent of the earth's at- 
mosphere, nor even that the same morbid portion of 
the atmosphere which gives rise to the disease in one 
place is transported to, and propogates the disease in 
each of the places at which it is observed. It is 
more probable, and better accords with known 
facts, to suppose that the intemperies of the air 
occurs successively in the different districts over 
which the disease passes. 

But, it may be asked, even admitting that a mor- 
bid change in the condition of the atmosphere is the 
cause which produces influenza, in what does that 
change consist ? Is it in the combination with the air of 
a deleterious miasm or a morbid principle of a spe- 
cific nature, independent of any change in the pro- 
portion and combination of its proper elements ? or ; 

* Galen. 



24 

does it depend upon certain sensible changes in the 
properties of the air ? To neither of these questions 
we candidly confess are we able to give any positive 
reply. In relation to both of them our information is 
far from being satisfactory. It appears to us how- 
ever, that too many difficulties attend the first of the 
suppositions to permit of our adopting it. Indeed al- 
most every physician of the present day concurs in its 
rejection. The last hypothesis is far more plausible. 
Notwithstanding that the influenza has occurred at 
all seasons of the year, whether hot, cold, damp, or 
otherwise, in every state of the barometer and hy- 
grometer, yet if we cast our eyes over the various his- 
tories of its different visitations in Europe and Ame- 
rica, it will be found that the weather immediately 
preceding or during its occurrence was extremely un- 
seasonable, or was marked by sudden alternations 
from cold to warm, or from dryness to moisture, or 
the reverse. Thus in 1675, we are informed by Sy- 
denham, that the disease made its appearance in the 
end of October, at which period, the weather which 
had before been unusually warm, became suddenly 
cold and damp. In the winter of 1729, Dr. Gil- 
christ states, that at the time when the influenza oc- 
curred, the weather was thick, warm, and rainy. In 
1762, according to Monro, the disease appeared in 
April, after a sudden change of weather from cold to 



25 

extreme heat In 1789 the weather preceding the visit 
of the influenza, is stated by Dr. Carrie, of Philadel- 
phia, to have been calm, misty, and warm, and in the 
month of August, just as the disease made its appear- 
ance, we are told by Dr. Mush, it changed suddenly to 
a degree of cold uncommon at that season of the year. 
In 1790, according to the last mentioned writer, the in- 
fluenza appeared during an extremely variable winter, 
the weather suddenly changing from cold to warm, 
and the reverse. In 1807, we are informed by Dr. 
Currie, that the influenza made its appearance du- 
ring a season marked by sudden changes of tem- 
perature, but throughout more wet and cold than usual. 
The period of its visit in 1816 was marked by very 
variable weather, and a winter of little severity. In 
1826 it occurred towards the close of winter, during a 
thick, damp, and unusually mild state of the atmos- 
phere, following a degree of cold but seldom experi- 
enced in this part of the country : and we know that 
the present epidemic was preceded by very great va- 
riations of atmospheric temperature, followed by an 
unusually early winter. "Van Swieten in his Com- 
mentary on the 1407 aphorism of Boerhaave, men- 
tions the dependence of influenza upon a thick, 
vapory state of the atmosphere, and so far as we 

have been able to consult accurate accounts of the 
4 



26 

weather during those years, and seasons when the 
influenza has prevailed, we have found invariably 
that its character was that of variableness and mois- 
ture, or that it was marked by sudden transitions 
from a degree of unusual heat to the opposite ex- 
treme, or the reverse. Many have supposed that 
while the occult morbid constitution of the atmos- 
phere gives the predisposition to the disease, the 
catarrhal and febrile symptoms are occasioned by 
the sensible properties of the air, particularly fre- 
quent and rapid changes in its temperature. Whether 
we admit or not that the latter are alone sufficient to 
account for the production of influenza, it cannot be 
doubted that they at least increase the number of those 
affected by it, and augment very materially its intensi- 
ty. That during the season in which influenza prevails, 
particular winds and atmospherical vicissitudes are 
alone capable of producing the disease cannot, howev- 
er, be doubted. In the account of the influenza, which 
prevailed in England in 1803, by Dr. Carrick, we learn 
that the inhabitants of that side of Richmond Terrace, 
on Clifton Hill, near Bath, which fronted the east, 
were universally attacked with the disease, while on 
the south side, the great majority both of persons and 
families, in ail other respects similarly circumstanced, 
escaped it entirely. Here the east wind was the di- 



27 

reel exciting cause of the influenza. The same may 
be said of the exposures which are followed by an 
attack of common cold. 

Several medical writers of the last century and a 
few among those of the present, are unwilling to al- 
low that the origin and propagation of the influenza 
can be explained, except by its being referred to a 
specific contagion, emanating from the bodies of the 
sick, and applied to those subsequently affected. 
They maintain, that, however wide the spread of the 
disease, it always takes place successively from place 
to place, and never simultaneously ; that its appear- 
ance among a community is invariably preceded by 
the arrival of one or more persons actually labouring 
under it, or coming direct from other parts where it 
was extensively prevalent. An eminent writer of our 
own country has attempted to shew that the spread of 
the influenza in several of its visits to this country 
during the present century, was occasioned by the 
dispersion of persons attending on courts of justice, 
the Friends assembled in yearly meeting, and the 
members of the several State Legislatures. It is use- 
less to enter into a refutation of a statement so unsup- 
ported by facts: even were we to admit that the spread 
of the disease corresponded exactly with the dispers- 
ing of the several assemblages here alluded to, it must 



28 

be recollected that the disease does not extend from 
place to place at the slow rate which marks our ordi- 
nary means of travelling. It has been often diffused 
throughout the continent with a rapidity greater than 
that with which any individual could pass over the 
same space, with all the facilities now afforded him 
by steam boats, canals, and rail roads. Let us re- 
collect, also, the time which would be necessary 
to infect a large population even from numerous 
foci of contagion; whereas on the same day, almost 
at the same moment, many thousands feel the effects 
of influenza who are known to have had no inter- 
course with each other, nor with those already la- 
bouring under the disease. We might with the same 
propriety attribute the cold we all feel in winter when 
in the open air, or the heat in summer, to a morbid 
sensation communicated by a few individuals to the 
whole mass of the population, as to ascribe the influ- 
enza to a specific contagion emanating from the bodies 
of the sick. 

There are few epidemics which affect so indiscri- 
minately persons of all ages, classes, constitutions 
and habits, as the influenza. The same general cause 
which gives rise to the disease, would seem to be all 
that is required either to predispose the system to its 
occurrence or to excite it into action. The utmost 



29 

care has failed, in a large number of instances at least, 
in warding off an attack. Seclusion within doors, 
comfortable rooms, warm clothing and the most 
scrupulous regard to diet and regimen, have not, 
with any uniformity, been successful in preserv- 
ing the system from the prevailing affection. Ltt it, 
however, not be supposed that all precautions are 
useless — that they are capable of producing no good 
effect. On the contrary, although the disease attacks 
nearly all, it does so with an intensity varying in differ- 
ent cases, and usually proportioned to the neglect of 
precautionary means ; and hence its violence may be 
greatly mitigated, and its continuance very materi- 
ally shortened by suitable attention. 

Of persons in the enjoyment of an ordinary degree 
of health, those who are the greatest sufferers from 
an attack of influenza, are the aged, on the one hand 
and young children, on the other. In the first, the 
disease is attended with symptoms of very consider- 
able violence, and by its being liable to produce 
in such persons, an effusion of a particular kind 
into the lungs, it often results very speedily in 
death. In children the catarrhal symptoms frequent- 
ly run very high, being attended with fever, and 
occasionally slight delirium. The same epidemic 
cause also induces at this period of life an inflam- 



30 

mation of the lungs, or that dangerous affection well 
known to parents by the name or Croup. 

Persons who, either from imprudence, from the na- 
ture of their occupations, or from poverty, are expo- 
sed to cold and damp air, badly lodged, and but im- 
perfectly cloathed. are very subject to severe attacks 
of the disease, which often terminate fatally. They 
likewise, who are predisposed to rheumatism and af- 
fections of a similar character, commonly suffer much 
from attacks of influenza. To the consumptive it is 
a highly dangerous affection, either exciting into im- 
mediate action the seeds of that disease, which under 
other circumstances might have remained quiescent 
for years, or when the affection of the lungs has made 
some progress, hurrying with great rapidity the fatal 
termination. 

During the present winter, while the influenza was 
prevalent at New- York, the deaths in that city 
amounted in one week to 187, a number very Unusual 
at this season of the year, and seldom equalled in 
the most sickly periods. In the last five years, the 
greatest number of deaths in any one week, was 
204. The average number throughout the year, is 
about 100, On referring to the Inspector's returns, 
we find that the unusual portion of the deaths, during 
the week alluded to, were caused by diseases of the 



31 

lungs and throat ; only 11 are set down to the credit 
of Influenza, but there were 43 from Consumption, 
17 from Inflammation of the Lungs, 13 from Croup, 
and others by different diseases, liable to be generat- 
ed or aggravated by influenza, sufficient to still fur- 
ther swell this class. 

In the following week, or that from December 17th 
to the 24tb, the deaths were 203, of which but 8 are 
reported as from influenza, while there are 38 from 
consumption, and 45 from other diseases of the lungs, 
to say nothing of small-pox, the deaths from which 
were 16, nor scarlet fever, the mortality by which was 
10. There were 8 deaths reported as from intem- 
perance. 

In Philadelphia, we find the deaths in one week, 
from the 10th to the 17th December, a period when 
the influenza was very rife, to have been 175. Of these 
about 70 were from various forms of inflammation of 
the lungs, or of its membranes, such as bronchitis, ca- 
tarrh, consumption, hooping-cough, croup (hives,) in- 
flammation of the lungs, influenza, measles, and 
pleurisy; without including eleven deaths from scarlet 
fever, some of which are doubtless referrible to the 
present atmospheric constitution. During the follow- 
ing week, from the 17th to the 24th of December, 
the deaths were 189, of which 97 were from the di- 



32 

seases above enumerated ; besides 7 from old age, 
some of which were owing to the present con- 
stitution of the atmosphere. In the first of these 
two weeks there were 23, and on the second, 27 
deaths, from consumption of the lungs. During the 
fortnight there were 10 deaths of persons between 90 
and 100 years of age ; and 38 deaths of those between 

70 and 100. During this same period, (two weeks,) 
there were but 19 deaths from influenza, so called. 
The average weekly mortality for a period of ten 
years, ending 1st Jan. 1830, was rather more than 

71 persons. 

In Boston we learn that more deaths took place du- 
ring the week, included in the same period as the first 
mentioned above than have occurred in that city, any 
one week for the last twenty years. 

As the influenza is strictly an inflammatory com- 
plaint, every thing that overloads the blood vessels or 
heats the system, such as high living, rich food, and 
stimulating drinks, has a tendency to augment its 
violence and duration, while an abstemious course of 
living — the use of simple diluents and bread, has 
always a contrary tendency. 

Upon the broken down constitutions of the drunk- 
ard and the intemperate generally, almost any disease, 
however trifling it may be under ordinary circum- 



33 

stances, produces always very serious and fatal in- 
roads. We have known an apparently very light 
attack of influenza, to be followed, in persons of this 
description, by an almost immediate extinction of life. 

Wet feet, sitting exposed to a draft of cold air, 
sleeping in damp beds or apartments, or an impru- 
dent exposure to the night air, when the body is in a 
state of perspiration from dancing, or from the heat 
of a crowded assembly, are so many causes which 
augment the violence of an attack of influenza, and 
which by inducing inflammation of the lungs or 
throat, may lead to death. 

We find that although the influenza, like other 
epidemic diseases, exhibits a general resemblance 
of symptoms in most of those attacked, yet there 
is not by any means a complete uniformity, much 
less that identity which we see in contagious diseases. 
Thus, the predisposition caused in a given number of 
persons by the peculiar condition of the atmospheric 
air, will, after similar exposure to cold and humidity, 
be converted into disease which shall affect each per- 
son differently from his companion in exposure. One 
will have, after a severe chill, a sore throat and pain 
in the head; another a slight hoarseness and change 
of voice ; a third a hard cough, with pain and fever ; 
a fourth will complain of his back and limbs, as if 
5 



34 

they had been severely beaten. Sometimes, though 
more rarely, the digestive system will be the part 
chiefly affected, and the sufferer will complain of 
soreness and cramp, as if he were seized with colic, 
or will have vomiting. On occasions, the first symp- 
toms of influenza will yield to a regular attack of 
rheumatism — pain and swelling of the joints, in those 
who are subject to this disease ; and we have seen 
a slight fit of gout follow the cough, and other symp- 
toms of the catarrh. Recently we have met with 
cases in which soreness of the skin and pain of the 
bones, especially at the joints, were complained of, 
without any external redness or swelling. Jnfact, in 
many respects there is no small resemblance between 
this malady and the dengue or dandy fever of late 
years : a resemblance the more natural from the pre- 
sumed identity of causes. 

The proper measures to be pursued during the 
prevalence of the disease, in order to lessen its vio- 
lence and duration will be evident to the reader, from 
the foregoing enumeration of its causes and symp- 
toms. 

In many individuals, after frequent attacks of or- 
dinary catarrh or cold, the sympathy between the 
vessels of the surface and those of the lining mem- 
brane of the nostrils, throat, and respiratory tube, 



35 

becomes so remarkable, that a cough attended with 
an expectoration of thin gleety mucus, is immedi- 
ately brought on by the least cold or dampness ap- 
plied to the feet, by sitting for a few ^minutes in a 
damp apartment, or one a slight degree cooler than 
ordinary, or even by a very slight decrease in the 
thickness of the clothing usually worn. Such per- 
sons are said to be very liable to take cold, and they 
are among the first and most severe sufferers from 
the influenza. They in particular, during its preva- 
lence, should guard against exposure to cold or wet, 
by a proper amount of clothing, woollen stockings, 
thick water-proof boots, and flannel next the skin. 

It is to be remarked, also, that a person labouring 
under, or just recovered from an attack of catarrh, 
whether epidemic or of the common kind, is always 
more liable to suffer from exposure to trifling degrees 
of cold, and slight transitions of weather, than an 
individual in health. Imprudent exposure, under such 
circumstances, very commonly aggravates the symp- 
toms already existing, or when the disease is on the 
decline, brings it back with increased violence, or 
converts it into an inflammation of the chest or 
lungs, of the most aggravated character. This fact 
should be constantly kept in mind by those affected 
with the influenza — for, as the disease in the majo- 



30 

rity of instances does not prevent the patient from 
going about or attending to his ordinary business, 
a trifling affection may, without care, be converted 
into a very serious malady. 

The influenza, and every species of catarrh, is too 
often considered to be rather a troublesome and disa- 
greeable than a serious or dangerous complaint. Ask 
a person, labouring under the disease, whether it 
has originated from exposure to cold or during the 
prevalence of influenza, what ails him? and he will 
most generally reply, oh — nothing ! 1 have only a 
very severe cold, or I have got this fashionable 
complaint. Do you take nothing for it? Not I— it 
must have its own course — 1 suppose it will go as it 
came. Never was there a greater error than that 
upon which such language is founded: by leading to 
a careless disregard of present symptoms, and an 
improper freedom of living, life itself has been sa- 
crificed, or the ^qw remaining years of existence have 
either been deprived of usefulness or filled with suf- 
fering. 

No disease to which the human frame is liable can 
be strictly considered as trifling. For although it may 
be unattended with symptoms of any great severity 
and readily removed by an appropriate treatment; 
yet when neglected or mismanaged, it may either di- 



37 

recily or indirectly be as certainly fatal as the yellow 
fever or the plague. Whenever disease is present, 
prudence and a timely resort to appropriate remedies 
will be the course pursued by the wise man. It is 
the fool alone who waits, before applying for advice, 
until it becomes worse ; that is, until the chances 
against its perfect removal are multiplied. 

The influenza consists then in an inflammatory affec- 
tion of the lining membrane of the nostrils, the cavities 
which communicate with it, seated within the bone 
above the eyes, on each side of the forehead, the exter- 
nal membrane of the eyes, the posterior part of the 
throat, and the glands which are there situated, and 
of the lining membrane of the principal branches 
of the wind pipe. The inflammation is not, however, 
as already stated, thus extensively spread in every 
case of catarrh. In some it is confined to the mem- 
brane within the nose and frontal cells, and that of 
the eyes, in others it is almost exclusively confined 
to the throat, and in others, to the wind pipe and its 
branches. 

In the first case it is marked by a sense of dryness, 
fulness, and heat in the nostrils, with frequent sneez- 
ing, a dull deep-seated pain in the forehead, redness 
and weeping of the eyes, and more or less fever al- 
ternating with slight chills ; all of which symptoms 



38 

increase towards evening ; subsequently there takes 
place an increased discharge from the nostrils, at first 
of a clear watery fluid, which irritates the parts over 
which it passes, but becoming, as the disease de- 
clines, less in quantity, thicker, and of a white yel- 
lowish and opaque appearance. 

When the disease is chiefly seated in the throat, 
the leading symptoms are pain, and a sense of dry- 
ness and fulness in this part 5 frequent hawking, at- 
tended with the discharge of a small portion of frothy 
mucus, difficulty of, and pain in swallowing; hoarse- 
ness of the voice and a slight cough, and in more vi- 
olent cases, difficulty of breathing and sense of suf- 
focation. This form of the disease is also attended 
with more or less fever. 

When the disease alfects the lining membrane of 
the respiratory tube, it usually commences with a 
sense of lassitude over the whole body, a sensation 
of cold or shivering, especially when the patient is 
exposed to an atmosphere somewhat colder than or- 
dinary. A hoarseness of the voice speedily occurs 
with a sense of roughness and soreness in the throat 
and wind pipe, and some difficulty in respiration; 
there is also a feeling of tightness in the chest, and 
more or less cough, which seems to be excited by 
some irritation felt at the back part of the throat. 
The pulse generally becomes more frequent, and the 



39 

skin hot and dry, especially towards evening. In- 
deed, all the symptoms increase at this period, and 
from the restlessness and augmented frequency of the 
cough, the patient is often prevented from sleeping 
until towards morning, when a diminution in all 
the symptoms usually occurs. The cough is in gene- 
ral, at first dry, and causes pain about the chest, 
particularly within its cavity along the front part or 
on one side. Pains resembling those of Rheumatism, 
are also frequently experieneed in the muscles of 
various parts of the body, particularly about the 
neck, head, breast and back. The appetite is impair- 
ed, and there is a greater degree of thirst than usual. 

In the progress of the disease the cough is accom- 
panied with a discharge of mucus, which is at first 
thin, and brought up with difficulty, but gradually be- 
comes thicker, and is discharged more copiously, and 
with less frequent and violent coughing. The hoarse- 
ness and soreness of the throat, as well as the other 
symptoms abate at the same time, and the disease 
soon ceases entirely. Such is the general course of 
an attack of severe catarrh, which under ordinary 
circumstances is commonly neither tedious nor dan- 
gerous. 

Very generally the disease commences with a 
sense of duluess, an affection of the eyes and nos- 
trils, and dull pain in the forehead, which after a 



40 

time are succeeded by hoarseness; cough, pain, op- 
pression of the chest, and fever. 

The foregoing description has reference particular- 
ly to the common forms of catarrh. When it occurs 
epidemically the disease is generally very sudden in 
its attack. Many patients complain of a sense of con- 
siderable soreness within the thorax, or chest, and a 
severe pain on coughing, especially in the forehead 
or in the eye-balls. The eyes are usually very red, 
and inflamed, suffused with tears, painful when mo- 
ved, and somewhat intolerant of light. Some cases 
are attended with extreme pain of the muscles 
of the back, loins, and limbs, accompanied with 
great lassitude or a feeling resembling fatigue from 
over exertion. When the disease is attended with 
acute pain or stitches in the side, the cough is usually 
very distressing and almost incessant, and the expec- 
toration scanty, consisting of a white tough mucus, 
often streaked with blood. In other cases, however, 
when there is merely a feeling of soreness or of dull 
pain in the breast* the cough is less violent, occurs at 
longer intervals, and is accompanied with a copious 
discharge of fluid. Frequently the principal symp- 
tom observed, has been a soreness of the throat ; in 
some instances, however, a considerable inflamma- 
tion and swelling of the glands of the throat takes 
place, attended with a difficulty of swallowing and of 
articulation, impeded respiration and tumor on the 



41 

side of the neck externally, terminating in many in- 
stances in the formation of an abscess, which breaks 
in the throat. The discharge from the nostrils is 
either very copious or is almost entirely suspended^ 
according as the affection of their lining membrane is 
trifling or extreme. Frequent sneezing is a very com- 
mon symptom. In very old persons, the disease 
not unfrequently commences with a degree of lethar- 
gy and prostration of strength, which no remedy 
will relieve, or it is attended, almost from the first, 
with great difficulty of breathing, short wheezing respi- 
ration, and great anxiety of countenance, which symp- 
toms are quickly followed by death. Limbs suffering 
from neglected, or badly treated sprains, during an at- 
tack of influenza, are very generally the seat of con- 
siderable pain. In some cases the disease has assumed 
the form of genuine pneumonia (inflammation of the 
lungs,) or of pleurisy; in others of diarrhoea or dys- 
entery. The attacks in children are frequently in 
the form of croup, and, as we have already remarked, 
in those predisposed to, or affected with consumption, 
there is a development or aggravation of the symp- 
toms of that disease. Nearly all chronic maladies un- 
der which the patient may labour at the time of the 
attack, are liable to be increased by the influenza. 
Yery generally the fever is of a more violent grade 
6 



42 

than that usually observed in common catarrh, and is 
frequently ushered in by a decided chill. 

From the foregoing sketch of its symptoms, it will 
be perceived how very various is the degree of violence 
which the disease assumes in various cases. We have 
known it in many instances to evince symptoms of so 
slight a character as to produce but little inconvenience 
to the patient, and to disappear in a day or two, even 
though no precaution, nor the most trifling remedy had 
been taken; while in other cases, from the very first mo- 
ment of its attack, it has occasioned so much suffer- 
ing as to confine the patient to his bed for upwards 
of a week, and to be with difficulty controlled by 
the most prompt and active treatment — in many other 
cases again, it has resulted speedily in death. 

Much of this difference in the character of its 
symptoms, arises from the greater degree of expo- 
sure to cold and variations of temperature to which 
one class of patients are liable, than another. A 
difference in its violence is also caused by the greater 
degree of predisposition presented by some individu- 
als to inflammation of the chest, the lungs and throat, 
than by others, in consequence of which, when ex- 
posed to the same exciting cause, the former will be 
seriously indisposed, while the latter will either en- 



43 

tirely escape or be affected with only a slight disease. 
Sex and age, as we have already remarked, influ- 
ence also, the extent of the symptoms and the danger 
by which they are attended. 

All these morbid affections may be induced at any 
season by obstruction of the functions of the skin ; 
chiefly from unaccustomed cold and moisture. We 
see very clearly from these details, that except in the 
greater diffusion of the predisposing cause, there is 
nothing specific or peculiar in influenza, by which it 
differs essentially from common catarrh or cold. Per- 
sons exposed at other seasons than the present to the 
common causes of cold or catarrh, will be variously 
affected according to their temperament, or natural 
constitution, or their acquired one from prior disease. 
Thus of three men exposed to recent cold at any 
season, one may have a fit of the gout, another 
a common cough, and the third great disorder and 
inflammation of the digestive organs. 

From all this it is easy to infer, that the same pru- 
dential maxims, obedience to which would guard us 
against catching cold, are equally requisite and pro- 
per to protect us against influenza ; and that as a 
slight cold is to be dreaded by a person far advanced 
in life, or by one liable to spitting of blood or to con- 
sumption, so is the influenza to be still more sedulously 



44 

shunned by them. Hence in both cases, of common 
as well as of epidemic catarrh; or influenza, to keep 
the feet warm and dry, to preserve an equable tem- 
perature of the skin, by clothing of suitable texture 
and quantity, to shun sudden transitions from heat 
to cold, are necessary means of prevention. If una- 
voidably exposed in this way, or by getting wet and 
chilled, to use a warm foot-bath or a general warm 
bath, and to keep at rest in-doors and use a very 
light regimen, are also important precautions. Should 
the influenza have made its attack in due form, it 
may, like a common cold, be generally kept in sub- 
jection by rigid abstinence — mild herb teas, toast 
and water, barley or rice water, being the only arti- 
cles used for either food or drink. The irritation of 
coughing will be greatly mitigated by flax-seed tea, 
with the addition of a little lemon juice and sugar, 
or by gum Arabic, in water. 

If other means be used, in the absence of a physi- 
cian, we would particularly caution against those of 
a heating nature, such as spirituous liquors, in the 
various combinations of hot toddy, whiskey punch, or 
spices and condiments. More or less fever is always 
present with the cold or influenza 5 and which will 
be greatly aggravated by stimulating or exciting re- 
medies. Saline medicines in moderate doses, or even 



45 

a bleeding from the arm, will generally prove of 
much greater avail. We mention this practice not 
with a view to recommend it indiscriminately, but 
simply to say that it is incomparably safer than the 
heating or alexipharmic one, and ought, when re- 
commended by a physician, to be had recourse to, 
without fear or demur. Opium, in its various forms 
of administration, should not be heedlessly or hastily 
had recourse to, especially in the first or more fever- 
ish stage of the disease ; indeed we should recom- 
mend that it be only used under the direction of a 
physician. But after all, the chief hopes of relief, 
and means of avoiding future ills, the consequences 
of protracted influenza, will be in a cooling regimen, 
abstinence at first, and afterwards simple food, 
light and easy of digestion, such as the farinaceous 
articles, stewed fruits, &c. ; and finally, though with 
caution, plain animal food in small quantities. Hav- 
ing thus sketched the outlines of the treatment of 
influenza, we proceed to give the requisite details. 

The fact that the influenza is modified in its cha- 
racter in different individuals, and varies in its in- 
tensity in different cases, shews the impossibility of 
subjecting those affected with it invariably to the same 
treatment. A very common enquiry of the physician 
during the prevalence of the disease is, "What 



46 

is good, Doctor, for the influenza?" To this a 
prompt and satisfactory reply is expected — not only 
by the ignorant, but by persons whose characters for 
good sense and judgment, rank deservedly high. 
The querist overlooks entirely the fact, that for the 
treatment to produce any good effect; in order, in- 
deed, that it shall not increase the symptoms under 
which the patient labours, it must be cautiously adap- 
ted to the violence and character of each case, and 
be variously modified, according to the age and con- 
stitution of the sufferer, the period of the malady 
and a host of other circumstances, all of which must be 
taken into the account, and carefully weighed, in 
order to ensure the success of any remedy adminis- 
tered. It is the mere vender of drugs that offers to 
the public his unfailing syrups, mixtures, and lozen- 
ges, adapted to every case and stage of the " pre- 
vailing cough" — the veriest empiric who asserts that 
his panacea can be taken with perfect impunity, and 
with a certainty of success by all who are labouring 
under this or any other disease. It is true that there 
is a general plan of treatment adapted to the influen- 
za, but to apply properly this general plan to indivi- 
dual cases, requires judgment and skill. Many cases 
occur during every visitation of the epidemic, which 
call for no internal remedies whatever; while in 



41 

others the safety of the patient requires that active 
remedies be not neglected. Between the two extremes 
there is an infiuity of shades in the disease, each 
calling for a particular modification of treatment. 
To decide upon the necessity of these modifications 
is the province of the scientific physician. Neither 
the patient, nor yet his friends, however honest these 
latter may be in their desire to afford relief, are in 
any degree competent to the task. 

Impressing solemnly upon the reader's attention this 
important truth, we shall now proceed, not to lay down 
the treatment of influenza, in all its details, but to re- 
view the remedies ordinarily demanded, and to offer a 
few cautionary hints in relation to each. To our medi- 
cal readers we do not promise much novelty, but rather 
a convenient summary of the course which they will 
find it convenient to pursue. Upon the subject of 
regimen and diet we shall be more explicit ; for by 
an attention to these on the part of the patient, much 
may be done, even without the employment of medi- 
cine, while by their neglect, the best concerted medical 
treatment will prove of little avail. 

Bleeding. — In proportion to the violence of the 
disease and the robust and plethoric frame of the pa- 
tient, will the loss of blood be called for in influ- 
enza. Whenever the disease is attended with much 



48 

fever, oppression of respiration, severe pain in the 
head or chest/.the immediate loss of a sufficient quantity 
of blood will always be found to afford very great re- 
lief. Bleeding is a remedy, however, which can sel- 
dom, if ever, be employed with advantage, excepting 
under the direction of a physician. By the patient or 
his friends, it is very apt to be resorted to at an im- 
proper period of the disease, and to be either carried 
too far, or not to a sufficient extent. To derive 
from it all the benefit it is capable of affording, the 
loss of blood must be properly timed and adapted 
in quantity to the existing stage and violence of the 
disease, as well as to the age and constitution of the 
patient. It is too often the practice to employ in the 
first place a variety of remedies more or less impro- 
per, and then as a last resort, to try the effects of 
bleeding, at a period when the relief obtained from it 
will be far less than it would have been, had it been 
resorted to in the commencement, or even at an 
early stage of the attack. Let then the physician 
decide when bleeding will be proper. 

Purging. — When the bowels are costive, that is 
when an evacuation from them has not occurred for 
a day or two, some gentle laxative, as castor oil, or 
a seidlitz powder, will be proper ; but excepting in 
certain cases of influenza, in which the head is vio~ 



40 

lently affected, purgatives do not form a remedy well 
adapted to the treatment of the disease. Purgatives 
are among those medicines of which the greatest 
abuse is made in domestic practice. They are con* 
sidered by many almost a specific in all cases of 
fevers, cold, and inflammations generally ; and very 
often, by their imprudent use or frequent repetition, a 
trifling complaint is converted into one of long conti- 
nuance and considerable severity. Yiewed by pa- 
rents as a very innocent remedy, they are adminis- 
tered in the diseases of children with a profuse hand; 
the very suffering which the good nurse or officious 
mother in this manner produces, is commonly made a 
plea for the still longer continuance of the purgative 
system. 

Whenever gentle laxatives or more active purga- 
tives are considered necessary in the management of 
influenza, every prudent person will resort to his 
physician for directions as to the article to be em-* 
ployed, its dose, and the periods of its administration* 
Addressing ourselves for the moment more particu- 8 
larly to our medical brethren, we should say, that 
where bleeding has been premised in the more violent 
form of the disease, or where we meet with milder 1 
cases, marked however, by general oppression and la* 
borious breathing, a mercurial purge will be attended 
with a good effect, and prepare very well for the use of 



50 

antimonials in minute doses, either alone or combined 
with opium. In what may be called the bilious varie- 
ties of influenza, or where there is a predominance of 
nausea, with loaded tongue, some pain and tightness 
about the lower ribs on each side, or the hypochondria ; 
calomel followed by salts, or the compound powder 
of jalap, will be of essential utility. The inhabit- 
ants of the southern States evince most frequently, 
when attacked with the disease, the bilious compli- 
cations. 

The remarks just made respecting the use of pur- 
gatives, will apply to that of emetics, when the influ- 
enza is complicated with bilious symptoms, so called. 
Emetics. — The public generally appear to be 
fond, either of secret remedies, or else of those which 
have an immediate, active and visible effect ; hence 
next to panaceas and catholicons, purgatives and 
emetics rank high upon their list of materia me- 
dica : few diseases occur in which one of these and 
very generally both, are not at once prescribed. To 
decide however upon the necessity for, and the proper 
management of either, requires much judgment and 
nice discrimination: thev should be left therefore, en- 
tirely to the prescription of the physician. 

In cases of influenza, on the first accession of the 
symptoms, a mild emetic will produce often very 
great benefit, rendering frequently, what threatened 



51 

to be a serious, a very mild attack. At a later period, 
also, circumstances may occur in which an emetic 
may be proper ; generally, however, it is only in the 
first period of the attack, that the propriety of their 
use is free from ail doubt. In the subsequent stages, 
the employment of the emetic articles, antimony and 
ipecacuanha, in minute doses, is more beneficial 
than when they are given so as to induce vomiting. 
They constitute in this form an excellent addition to 
the cough mixtures employed towards the decline of 
the disease. 

Antimonial wine, combined w r ith the syrup of 
squills, is a very customary prescription in domestic 
practice, for the influenza, or a cold occurring in 
children. In many slight cases, this combination 
may undoubtedly produce good effects, but it is by 
no means one to be recommended under all circum- 
stances. We object particularly to the frequent and 
indiscriminate use in early life, of antimonial wine ; 
its effects upon the stomach and bowels are often pre- 
judicial. The fact is, colds affecting children, can- 
not be safely treated by w r hat are called simjile reme- 
dies, their management requires considerable skill ; 
they being in general attended with far more danger 
than when they occur in adults. 



52 

Blisters.— The application of a blister will be 
often adviseable, especially in those cases of influen- 
za accompanied with considerable oppression of the 
chest, a dry harrassing cough, and much pain of the 
side or breast. They require, however, to be pro- 
perly timed, and the system prepared for their action, 
or they will be far more liable to be productive of 
pernicious than of beneficial effects. For ourselves, we 
are of opinion, that at a proper stage of the disease, 
blisters may be employed with decided advantage in 
a much greater variety of cases than those in which 
they are usually resorted to. When the head and 
eyes are much affected, a blister to the nape of the 
neck will often produce immediate and very decided 
relief. 

PEDiLuviA.^—Bathing the feet in warm water? 
and the use of the warm bath generally, require a 
very great deal of management and caution, in order 
to derive from their use, in cases of influenza and ca- 
tarrh, any very decided advantage. The good old 
practice, as it is termed, by a sad perversion of lan- 
guage, of treating a cold by bathing the feet in hot 
water, on going to bed in the evening, and then drink- 
ing freely of some hot spirituous mixture, or strong 
herb tea, is one of the most dangerous that can be 
devised. J'or one individual who has by this means 



53 

obtained the removal of his cold, we might enume- 
rate hundreds in whom it has very considerably in- 
creased all the symptoms, and caused the inflamma- 
tion to extend itself to the breast or lungs. All at- 
tempts to force a sweat, and particularly by heating 
remedies, in this or any other febrile affection, are in 
the highest degree pernicious. The moisture on the 
surface which occurs towards the decline of such dis- 
eases is generally, it is true, an indication of amend- 
ment, but it is the effect and not as many suppose, 
the cause of the favourable change in the malady. 
One word, however, that we may not be misunder- 
stood. When a person has been exposed to cold and 
dampness of any extent, or for some hours, immedi- 
ately to bathe the feet or the whole body in warm 
water, and then, retiring to bed, to take freely of 
some mild tepid drinks, is an excellent means of pre- 
venting any bad effects resulting from the previous 
exposure : it will often ward off a cold, but it will 
rarely, if ever cure it when already present ; that is, 
if its symptoms be of any violence. Stimulating 
drinks will always do harm. 

Opiates.— Various preparations of opium are re- 
medies of great power in many cases of influenza: 
but they do not admit of indiscriminate use in all cases 
or in every stage of the complaint. It is only when 



54 

the more violent symptoms have declined that they 
are found invariably to relieve the restlessness and 
cough, and to induce a quiet and refreshing sleep. 
In children they must he used, in particular, with 
great caution. Their administration in no case should 
be attempted, without the advice of a competent phy- 
sician. Now the reader must be informed that nearly 
all the cough mixtures, syrups, and lozenges, of the 
shops — the vegetable syrups and pectoral balsams of 
the advertising quacks, are combinations of mucilage 
or sugar, squills, antimony, opium, laudanum or 
paregoric elixir, if they do not contain still more de- 
leterious ingredients. Their use is always attended 
with risk, from the want of any adaptation, in the 
proportion of their several ingredients, to the age and 
constitution of the patient, as well as to the violence 
and stage of the disease. Taken late in the complaint, 
when a harrassing cough is almost the only symptom 
remaining, they often, it is true, afford prompt relief; 
though even here injury is frequently produced by the 
over proportion of some one of the more active articles 
which they contain. At an earlier stage of the com- 
plaint they are more apt to increase than to relieve 
the difficulty of breathing, the fever, and the rest- 
lessness. We can readily comprehend how these 
articles obtain a fictitious reputation, Taken by one 



55 

individual, at a period when opiates are indicated, 
the relief he experiences from their use induces 
others to resort to them, and perhaps, by many at 
an improper period. But this makes no difference in 
their estimation of this class of remedies ; one failing 
to give relief, another is made use of, or the same one 
is continued, in gradually augmented doses, until 
finally discovering that their disease augments under 
its employment, they do precisely what they should 
have done in the first instance — that is, apply for 
regular medical advice. 

Mucilaginous Fluids. — These are confessedly 
the safest and most effectual means for quieting the 
cough that we possess, during at least the first stages 
and height of the disease. They effect this too with- 
out endangering irritation of the stomach, or an in- 
crease of the inflammation or of the attendant fever. 
Barley- water, a solution of gum Arabic in water, a 
decoction of quince seeds, or even simple toast- water, 
may be taken either plain or sweetened, and slightly 
acidulated by the addition of lemon juice or other 
vegetable acid, in small portions at a time, frequent- 
ly repeated. They will be found almost iuvariably 
to relieve the irritation and dryness of the throat, and 
to diminish very considerably the cough. One of the 
best of these mucilaginous preparations, is perhaps, 



50 

the flaxseed tea, to which, after it is strained, a pof~ 
tion of lemon juice and of sugar have been added* 
Wheu this is not relished, the inner bark of the slip- 
pery elin (ulinus fulva.) may be substituted for the 
flaxseed ; when infused in the water, this produces a 
very bland, and to many, a very pleasant mucilage. 
Keeping a piece of rock candy, gum Arabic, or com- 
mon molasses candy, constantly in the mouth, and 
allowing it slowly to dissolve, is likewise an excel- 
lent means of stilling the cough, and of abating the 
irritation of the throat, upon which it depends. 
These articles constitute the simplest, safest, and 
therefore the best cough lozenges. 

Inhalations. — The frequent inhalation into the 
lungs of warm aqueous vapours : that is, of the steam 
from warm water, is a remedy from which much ad- 
vantage is often derived in the influenza, and all other 
varieties of catarrh. Many persons imagiue that a 
little vinegar, or a few chamomile flowers added to 
the warm water, improves its virtues ; the truth of 
this is, however, very questionable. Nevertheless as 
the vapour, in consequence of this addition, feela 
more grateful to the palate and lungs of certain pa- 
tients, little injury will result from allowing it; pro- 
vided always, however, that the quantity of vinegar 
or chamomile flowers, be very small. The addition 



57 

of any of the more aromatic herbs or substances 
would be injurious ; they should always at least be 
dispensed with, unless expressly directed by a phy- 
sician. The method of usiug or of applying the va- 
pour, is of very little importance: holding the face 
over a large bason filled with hot water, or directing 
the steam into the throat through an inverted funnel, 
will answer in most cases fully as well, if not better 
than a more complicated apparatus. 

Various other remedies are required, or at least are 
prescribed, in many cases of influenza, especially in 
these marked by symptoms of unusual severity. The 
foregoing list comprehends, however, those which are 
most commonly administered without the direction of a 
physician, and hence those in relation to the employ- 
ment of which the greatest mistakes are daily com- 
mitted. It is on this account that we have considered 
it proper to offer a few remarks in relatiou to them ; 
not, however, w r ith the view of teaching the public an 
impossible task, in other words, of instructing then 
in the mode of applying these remedies to the cure of 
their own complaints, but, rather to point out to them 
the difficulty attending their proper employment, ex- 
cepting under the directions of a judicious and skil- 
ful physician. It is from the lull conviction, that no 

one out of the medical profession can, without the 

8 



58 

utmost risk, attempt to prescribe for this or any other 
ailment, however simple, to which the human sys- 
tem is liable, that we have purposely avoided enter- 
ing iuto any account of the doses and several combi- 
nations of those internal remedies best adapted to the 
cure of influenza. By -so doing, we are aware, that 
in the estimation of many, we have detracted largely 
from the interest of the present publication. 

It is for the physician to carry out the details 
which his former experience and present observa- 
tions shall find adapted to the peculiar circumstance 
of each case. We believe that what we have said, 
in the way of syllabus to the treatment, will not be 
without its use to him ; certainly if it meet the eyes 
of his patients, will inspire them with additional con- 
fidence in his prescriptions and directions. 

Diet. — An abstinence from meat, and all solid 
and irritating food and stimulating drinks, is of the 
first importance in every case of the disease. A diet 
of thiu gruel, weak tea, or milk and water, and 
dry toast, or stale bread, with flaxseed tea, le- 
monade, apple and barley-water for drink, will 
of itself, provided the patient at the same time re- 
mains within doors for a day or two, remove a slight 
attack; while, in the more violent ones, a similar 
diet is essential to the successful operation of the 



59 

strictly remedial measures that may be demanded. 
Simple bland diluent drinks, whatever may be the 
addition made to the water of which they are com- 
posed, whether sugar, syrup, vegetable acids, cer- 
tain of the farinacea, or mucilage, are demanded in 
all cases of catarrh or influenza. Every stimulating 
fluid, whether distilled or fermented, must be avoid- 
ed: in any quantity it will have the effect of increas- 
ing the fever, the cough, and the difficulty of breath- 
ing. Even the languor and depression which in the 
commencement Gf certain cases of the influenza, 
would appear to many to call for its use, are aug- 
mented by it, or if removed under its employment, 
are replaced by symptoms of greater danger. 

We have heard men boast of having cured them- 
selves of an attack of cold, or of influenza, by high 
living and a few additional glasses of wine, or of hot 
whiskey punch, and seemingly claim some degree of 
credit for their running counter to the wisest medical 
instructions. But, it is only when the most consum- 
mate folly shall be esteemed a proper subject of admi- 
ration and of praise, that such conduct shall obtain 
approval. The man who risks destruction, or endan- 
gers his health, merely from whim or caprice, can 
never be esteemed for his sense, his prudence, nor, 
we had almos: said, for his morality. The only 
excuse we can possibly make for one who thus acts, 



60 

, is to suppose him ignorant of the imminent risk he 
runs in the indulgence of his folly. 

A common notion is entertained, that the drinks 
taken in cases of catarrh, or influenza, should be 
warm. This is an error, — the drinks should be 
cool, and neither cold nor warm. 

Confinement within doors, in a dry comfortable 

chamber, is adviseable in all cases of the disease, 

m 

and in the more violent cases, cannot be dispensed 
with. Care should be taken, that the air of the pa- 
tient's apartments is preserved of an equal tempera- 
| ture throughout the day; guarding alike against any 

approach to chilliness, or too much heat. 

It is often impossible or extremely inconvenient, 
however, in slight attacks for the individual to keep 
his chamber ; when this is the case, great caution 
should be observed to adapt the clothing to the state 
of the weather, so as to avoid the impression on the 
system, of cold or damp. Flannel next the skin 
will always be found of advantage, with woollen 
stockings, and substantial boots, and over-shoes 
whenever the season is wet or the streets sloppy. 
After night, nothing but the most imperative neces- 
sity should induce the patient to expose himself to 
the open air, more especially if the weather be damp 
or rainy. 



61 



Hints respecting Common Colds and Incipient Con- 
sumption. 

We deem the present a favourable opportunity for 
venturing a few remarks on common colds, in con- 
nexion with pulmonary consumption : — and we shall 
consider ourselves peculiarly fortunate if they should 
prove the means of inducing a salutary and timely 
caution on the part of those of our readers whose 
weak chests render them liable to the attacks of this 
dread malady. 

When we reflect on the fearful mortality in tem- 
perate climates annually, caused by the various di- 
seases of the respiratory organs, under the names of 
pleurisy, pneumonia, or inflammation of the lungs, 
bronchitis, croup, asthma, hydrothorax or dropsy of the 
chest, and last and chiefest, consumption of the lungs, 
we shall find little cause to boast of the superior sa- 
lubrity of those regions — illustrated though they be by 
being the residence of the most civilized and intel- 
lectual portion of mankind. We are startled at the 
very name of yellow fever, and devoutly bless our 
better stars, by which we are exempted from the 
plague and the cholera: but, were we to consult the 
simple annals of the poor, note their diseases and 
examine the hospital records of the chief cities of 



62 

Europe and of the United States, we should indeed be 
amazed if not terrified, at the large outlet to human 
life made by the host of diseases of the lungs, — 
no small portion of which have their origin in what 
is called << talcing cold." Even while we admit that 
in our middle and northern latitudes, the mutations 
of temperature and weather are so great and frequent 
as to baffle the calculations of the most prudent, and 
that penury and want, and a life of unremitting wo, 
compel a large number to submit to exposures ruinous 
to their health, and certainly destructive, in time, of 
life, yet we cannot be insensible to the fact that much 
extensive suffering from pulmonary diseases in gene- 
ral, including more especially consumption, is the di- 
rect result of voluntary folly, in vice, indolence, imi- 
tation and fashion. True, the labouring poor are of- 
ten greatly exposed to taking cold, from the very na- 
ture of their employment, as well as on account of their 
scanty clothing, and Ill-built and imperfectly warmed 
habitations. Eut how often are they not thus ex- 
posed by their want of common industry and thrift 
to obtain the means of protection — how much oftener 
again, are not they the victims of atmospheric dis tem- 
peratures, in consequence of the morbid susceptibili- 
ties to these agencies, created by intemperance in the 
use of intoxicating drinks, carousing at late hours, &c. 



63 

The waggoner, the ploughman, and the sailor, are 
each, respectively, much exposed to the elemental strife, 
the peltings of the pitiless storm — wind, and rain, 
snow, and sleet; often are they drenched to the skin, 
often seized with pains of pleurisy or rheumatism. 
But were we to separate the list of attacks, which 
begin with taking cold, caused by prior intemperance 
or carelessness, or neglect of timely change of gar- 
ments, from those which come on in despite of tem- 
perance and an early use of dry and warm clothing, 
after getting wet, we should find the latter bear a 
small proportion to the former. 

In like manner we shall find, that the exposures to 
atmospheric vicissitudes productive of pulmonary 
diseases of the man of business, the student, and 
the professional man, are not so much in direct dis- 
charge of their several duties, as in the observances 
of absurd customs, addiction to unseasonable amuse- 
ments and the like, or a neglect of the common means 
of insuring in-door comfort. 

The man, who from indolence or excessive stingi- 
ness, neglects to have a broken pane of glass repla- 
ced by an entire one, and gets in consequence a cold, 
and its concomitants, cough, stitch in the side, &c. 
ought not to blame the weather or his business for 
the complaint under which he labours, any more 



64 

than he would do who should sit shivering at 
the desk, between doors imperfectly closed, and in 
a room, which, had he chosen, it was in his power 
to keep warm with a good fire. A youth of delicate 
frame, who is peculiarly prone to catch cold, and 
has been once or twice threatened with consumption, 
determines to try a winter without flannel next his 
skin : he takes little or no exercise to increase the ac- 
tivity of his circulation, and eats but little, and that 
irregularly ; thus depriving his system of one of the 
means in a vigorous digestion and ready nutritibn, of 
forming animal heat. Eire the experiment has been 
long tried, he is seized with the influenza, and falls a 
victim to that' disease. Ought we to attribute his 
death to his own folly, or to the state of the weather 
and season? But for the intervention of epidemic 
influence, he might have survived, perhaps, until the 
spring, and then would have sunk under the slower 
march of consumption. 

A man of business walks about in wet streets, and 
amid showers of rain, with impunity — protected as 
he is by thick-soled boots or shoes, and suitable over- 
clothes and umbrella. In the evening, it may be a 
clear and calm one, he puts on slender pumps with 
silk stockings, in place of thick woollen ones, goes 
to a large assemblage — a tea-party, or a dance, gets 



65 

over-heated., and returns home, perhaps without an 
over-coat, at any rate with his pumps on. Next 
morning he awakes with hoarseness, soreness of throat 
and fever. Prudence would now dictate the pro- 
priety of his keeping in the house, omitting his 
customary meals, and of using some simple drinks, 
mucilagiuous or farinaceous, instead; but no, he 
cannot, considerate and industrious soul that he 
is, spare time from his business to lay by. And yet, 
the evening before, he could forget his business, and 
risk its interruption, perhaps entire breaking up, by a 
still more violent attack of disease than that under 
which he now labours, in competition with an uncall- 
ed for vanity in a trifling article of dress. But mark 
the results : — he goes out, perhaps the weather 
may be bad, and after a day of toil, returns much 
worse at night than he had been in the morning. He 
forgot the relative effects of exposure, and that, what 
had been innoxious to him the day before, when he 
was in health, is decidedly prejudicial to him, now 
that he is indisposed. Perhaps he may struggle on 
another day, and at last takes to his bed, and it may 
be, never to rise again. This person is then said to 
have fallen a victim to his extreme attention to 
business ; or, he is numbered among those who 
are fatal sufferers from a variable climate, and the 
9 



63 

epidemic of the season. The man's death is the re^ 
ward of his own folly. 

Again, a young physician, with naturally a weak 
chest, goes to settle in. a sickly country, in which, if 
he is not carried off by consumption, he runs a good 
chance of being destroyed by fever. On his return one 
night late, after much exertion followed by copious per- 
spiration, he has to cross a river ; he takes a short cut 
below the usual ford, dashes into the water, gets tho- 
roughly wet, and in the morning is awakened by a chill, 
which is followed by inflammation of the lungs, and 
death. Was this person returning from a professional 
visit, which, without a derelection of duty, he could not 
have refosed making? Not at all ; he had been to a 
ball, and was dressed in very light pantaloons, thin 
stockings, and pumps. 

Of the heedless and yet voluntary exposures 
to taking cold of the female sex, little need be 
said here; their strange infatuation in this way 
is proverbial. 13ut our mortification and griefs for 
the sufferings which they bring on themselves, in 
the varieties of pulmonary complaints, to which 
they ultimately fall victims, are aggravated by 
knowing that, even in the pursuit of pleasure and the 
enjoyment of frivolous amusements, they need not 
necessarily expose their persons to the sudden tran- 
sitions of temperature, nor especially their feet to 



67 

cold and moisture, and thus lay the foundation for a 
long list of maladies ; among which, figures in the 
foremost rank, pulmonary consumption. 

Having spoken of the foolish practices by which 
diseases of the lungs are so often brought on, we 
shall next advert to the false theory by which they 
are in part attempted to be justified. This theory is, 
that delicate persons ought to expose themselves to 
cold and the severities of the weather, in order to 
harden themselves ; because, as it is alleged, they 
whose employments require a life of toil, often in cold 
inclement weather, are vigorous and resist disease. 
The assertion is not true: a very large number of the 
industrious labouring poor fall victims annually to 
pulmonary disease, in its various forms, in conse- 
quence of their exposure to cold and severe weather. 
They whom we see remarkable for their robust 
frames and bodily vigour, and who are at the same 
time much exposed to the wintry cold, are not bene- 
fitted by the latter; they remain healthy in spite of it, 
Regular, active muscular exercise, in the open air, 
plain substantial food, and regular hours, contribute 
to give them an energetic discharge of all their func-- 
tions, especially of digestion, respiration and circu- 
lation, and in a measure, as a consequence of the 
others, a free evolution of animal heat, and great 
power of resisting cold. In extreme northern latK 



m 

tudes, as in Russia, Sweden and Norway, consump* 
tion is indeed less frequent, but the inhabitants of 
those countries are far from acquiring an endurance 
of cold by exposing themselves; they take every pos- 
sible method of moderating its severity, by the warm- 
est clothing, and having their houses furnished with 
double windows and doors, and warmed by heated 
air. Sheep-skin undressed for the peasant, and furs 
for the wealthy and higher classes, are common arti- 
cles of dress. 

Cold is peculiarly unfriendly to the young and to 
those in very advanced life; it is especially liable to 
bring on scrofula in all its forms, including tuber- 
culous consumption. Even the animals most nearly 
resembling man, as those of the monkey tribe, when 
brought into cold northern latitudes, are seized with 
glandular enlargements and tubercles. 

We meet with very notable differences in the sus- 
ceptibility of persons to be affected by cold, and 
especially by that most dangerous union, cold with 
moisture. Some are by inheritance prone to have 
sore throats, others croup, others catarrh, on the 
slightest exposure—by getting the feet wet, or by any 
atmospherical change, which suddenly chills and ob- 
structs the functions of the skin. Now it will be found 
that the exemption of such persons from these mala- 
dies, will be, not in proportion to their persistence in 



69 

the hardening process, but to their avoidance of the 
causes already mentioned, by preserving as much 
as possible the skin and extremities of a uniform 
temperature. Nay, still more, as every fresh expo- 
sure is followed by a fresh attack of disease, and the 
chances of these increase, nearly in the ratio of their 
former number, until a morbid habit is firmly esta- 
blished ; so, on the other hand, will a prudential 
course, prolong the periods between .the attacks, 
and finally prevent their ever returning ; thus esta- 
blishing a healthy for a diseased habit. 

The physician who has read and observed on the 
subject of pulmonary consumption, knows that, 
however numerous and fatal are the various inflam- 
mations of the lungs, for the most part brought into 
play by taking cold, still these are not in any large 
proportion, the cause of consumption ; although both 
may be excited by similar exposures, such as to a 
cold and moist atmosphere. The predisposition to 
consumption is often inherited, and depends on a 
peculiar structure of the lungs, by which, or the ap- 
plication of the common causes of catarrh, new sub- 
stances or bodies called tubercles are formed. These 
tubercles vary in size and consistence, being com" 
monly hard on their circumference, and having a 
softer or caseous consistence in their interior. After 
a time some of them open outwardly, that is, on the 
surface to which the air is applied in breathing, and 



TO 

their contents continue to be coughed up at intervals 
during the progress of the disease, through fistulous 
openings. Sometimes they suddenly burst and suf- 
focate the patient. This is what is called true or 
tuberculous consumption, and by many, if not most 
physicians, is regarded as incurable. Laennec, how- 
ever, in his valuable Treatise on the Diseases of the 
Chest, and on Mediate Auscultation,, and Andral, 
in his Clinique Medicate, have rendered it highly 
probable, would seem indeed, to have demonstra- 
ted the fact, that even the fistulous tubercles have 
cicatrized and been dried up. But instances to this 
effect are exceedingly rare. 

In some cases so strong is the tuberculous predis- 
position that causes apparently of the most simple 
kind, will call it into confirmed consumption ; whilst 
in others, with common prudence, a tolerably long 
life may be enjoyed, without suffering from the as- 
saults of the fell destroyer. Catarrh, and haemorrhage 
from the lungs, often regarded as the causes and pre- 
cursors of consumption, are, on occasions, merely 
evidences that the tuberculous irritation lias become 
fully developed. The same remark applies to most 
of the varieties of inflammation of the lungs, which 
may accompany, and sometimes excite into action, 
the tuberculous state, but without, properly speaking, 
causing it. 



71 

Still we are not to overlook the fact, that common 
Catarrh or bronchitis, if neglected, will eventually 
end in disorganization and ulcers of the lining mem- 
brane of the lungs, which simulate true pulmonary 
consumption, and end as fatally as this latter. 

When we hear of cures of consumption we are to 
understand theni as chiefly of these diseases — chronic 
catarrh or bronchitis. The varieties even of this di- 
sease are numerous. A common and troublesome 
one is inflammation, ending in ulceration of the lining 
membrane of the upper part of the wind pipe, con- 
stituting what some have called laryngeal phthisis. 
This in the larger number of cases accompanies the 
tuberculous disease of the lungs, and when present 
to any extent, accelerates greatly the fatal termination 
of the latter. The voice is affected in a morbid 
manner in laryngeal consumption ; and the unplea- 
sant sensations and irritation provoking to cough, 
are distinctly referred to the upper part of the wind 
pipe ; the same part which in children is the seat of 
croup. Sometimes the first symptoms of this variety 
of consumption coming on, are loss of voice, or a 
muffled or husky voice, with dryness of the throat, 
and frequent hawking, and a short hemming cough. 
The application of leeches to the skin over the wind 
pipe, and on each side of it, followed by a blister, 
inhalations of simple aqueous vapour, living in air 



T2 

of a moderate and equable temperature, and keeping 
the feet very warm, together with a plain regimen, will 
sometimes suffice to arrest the progress of this malady. 
Conjoined with incipient as well as with confirmed 
consumption, is gastritis or inflammation of the sto- 
mach, both acute and chronic, and also ulcerations 
of the intestines. The last are more common in the 
advanced stages of the disease. 

Farther details of the organic changes, which are 
characteristic of, or which accompany, pulmonary 
consumption would be incompatible with the pur- 
poses of the present sketch. Our design is merely 
to point out the chief causes of catarrh and consump- 
tion, and the prominent varieties of the latter, in 
order to better understand the value of the dietetic 
and curative suggestions, with which we shall close 
our remarks. 

When we find a person with narrow chest, long neck 
and inclined to stoop, who inherits from either parent 
the predisposition to consumption, and who is pe- 
culiarly liable to take cold and have a cough every 
spring and autumn, or at any notable change in the 
weather from warm to cold, our fears ought to be 
awakened, and ail proper measures taken to prevent 
an attack oF threatened consumption. Theory and 
experience point out the propriety of attending, in a 



13 

more especial manner, to the three important sur- 
faces : viz. the skin ; the lining membrane of the 
lungs, to which the air is applied in respiration; and 
finally, the lining membrane of the stomach and 
bowels, to the inner surface of which food, solid and 
fluid, is applied, for the purposes of digestion and its 
subsidiary processes. 

Aware that the impeded functions of the skin, 
caused by cold and moisture, or the unequal appli- 
cation of cold by currents of air to a part of the 
body, preceded and caused the cough and distress in 
breathing ; our first duty is to protect this surface 
against similar accidents. With this view it is ex- 
ceedingly important to make the invalid wear cloth- 
ing of such texture and fashion as shall keep up a 
uniform temperature, and also, the healthy customary 
discharge of perspirable matter from the skin. If 
we are to err on either side, let it be on that of warmth. 
Frictions, used daily, night and morning, and the 
occasional use of the warm bath, will contribute to 
the same end. The next surface, or the pulmona- 
ry, should be also guarded against air, either too dry 
or untimely cold, as well as very hot. While cold 
air is prejudicial both to the cutaneous and respira- 
tory surfaces, there is this difference, that moisture does 
not render it hurtful for breathing, whereas this ad- 
ditional quality of air is much more apt to impede the 
10 



74 

functions of the skin. Hence a man may take exercise 
in and breathe an air which he ought most sedulously 
to prevent having any access to his skin, or at least, 
to any part of it which is habitually clothed. To 
be chilled through the skin might be fatal. To be 
affected by it through the lungs is comparatively 
harmless; and at times, during the inflammatory ac- 
tion of these organs, may be very serviceable. 

It is, however, very difficult to derive advantage from 
such a kind of air in one way without its being very 
detrimental in another, and at any rate, the sudden 
changes of wind and temperature are very trying to 
weak lungs. Hence have arisen the enquiry and 
search after such a uniform state of atmosphere, as 
shall prove grateful to the lungs, and at the same 
time, be beneficial to the skin. 

A climate in which the temperature is moderate, 
rather inclining to warm, and the air rather moist, 
with protection from keen north or north-westerly and 
north-easterly winds, is that which in theory, is sup- 
posed to correspond with our wishes. 

Of course we cannot look for a location enjoying 
these advantages in northern and middle Europe, nor 
in our northern and middle states. The south of 
France, parts of Italy and Spain, and the island of 
Madeira, have been, severally, extolled as desirable 



75 

residences for the consumptive invalid. At home we 
have heard of much benefit being obtained by some 
of the inhabitants of our eastern cities, thus afflicted, 
who have spent the winter in Savannah. But more 
relief is to be expected in pulmonary affections, by 
living, during this season, at St. Augustine, in Flo- 
rida, than from any other spot with which we are 
acquainted, within the limits of the United States. 

To a removal of the invalid from home, there are, 
however, many objections — on the score of separation 
from friends, deprivation of suitable attendance, and 
the expenses of travelling. A sea voyage is produc- 
tive of many discomforts and atmospherical expo- 
sures, which are highly detrimental to a sick person: 
— and on arriving at the destined spot abroad, there 
may be a want of many minor comforts, and what is 
still worse, of the solacing attentions of friends and 
relatives, all which would more than countervail, by 
their effects on the mind and temper of the invalid, 
the benefits to be expected from the climate. We 
would not be understood as dissuading, in every case 
from travel, and residence for a period, in spots, the 
climate of which has been proved sanitary and cu- 
rative by long and ample experience. We are satis- 
fied, on the contrary, that in many instances, much 
good has arisen from a change ; but to derive bene- 
fits from it, the journey ought to be undertaken under 



76 

favourable auspices, with sufficient pecuniary means, 
the company of some near and dear relative or 
friend, and the enjoyment, to a certain extent, of 
the society of the place. 

Happily for the invalid threatened with consump- 
tion, or who is already suffering under its first stage, 
he can have recourse to means at home by which all 
the benefits from air of a mild and equable tempera- 
ture for breathing and living in, will be realized with- 
out the drawbacks just adverted to. Our reference is to 
apartments warmed by fresh air, which is first in- 
troduced into a small chamber of brick or tile, 
containing a stove or furnace, by contact with 
which it is heated, and passes up through a pipe or 
grated opening, into the room above. We have 
said that the air is fresh, and this is a grand point. 
It is that common pure atmospheric air which enters 
into the brick chamber by a small opening at the 
side, and which, so soon as it is rarefied by contact 
with the stove or furnace, rises to the top and finds 
entrance into the room to be warmed. The doors and 
windows may be rendered air-tight 5 and thus all 
currents or drafts of cold air from without, are exclu- 
ded, and one chief means of contracting fresh catarrh 
prevented. The escape of the air of the room, con- 
taminated by the breathing of the invalid and others, 
— friends or attendants, cau be readily obtained by 



an aperture through the fire-hoard of a chimney- 
place, or by a contrivance in place of one of the 
panes of glass in a window. 

It would be still better for two rooms to commu- 
nicate with each other, the warm air coming up 
through the floor, at the door of communication. An 
apartment would then be reserved for sleeping, and 
another for recreation, by such gymnastic exercises 
as might be thought adapted to the strength and 
stage of disease of the invalid. Here, also, could he 
receive the visits of his friends. The two grand re- 
quisites of uniform warmth, and ventilation, can be 
readily obtained by this arrangement, and the pa- 
tient is also placed in the most favourable situation 
for being benefitted by the medical treatment which 
may be suggested by the physician, including the 
inhalation of various vapours, the use of the warm 
or vapour bath, and frictions of the skin. 

They who are apprehensive that a person kept 
during a winter, in this artificial southern climate, 
would be unable to bear the open air afterwards, 
would be greatly deceived. In respect to persons in 
health, we find the Russians bear the cold out of 
doors with impunity if not with pleasure, after leav- 
ing their warm rooms; and we know from experi- 
ence, that the invalids kept during the winter, in 
apartments of uniform temperature, suffer less from 



78 

the external cold when they go out, than they had 
done before.* 

The expense of fitting up a furnace and chamber, 
for the heated air, in the cellar, and establishing a com- 
munication between the latter and the rooms above, 
would not be more than half of the passage money 
to a European port, and even this sum might be 
saved by the less call for medicines, and the visits of 
a physician, during the winter season. 

We cannot forbear, when on this subject, from 
repeating the language of the benevolent Dr. Gr. Pear- 
son, of London, as follows. It is strictly applicable 
to the United States, as well as Great Britain. "But 
a grand institution for the benefit of the invalid public, 
and the sick in general, by the erection of a building 
of sufficient space, for apartments and rooms of va- 
rious dimensions, to afford warm and equal tempe- 
ratures, is at this time especially, an object for the gra- 
tification of the philanthropist, and in all probability 
must be profitable to the proprietors. To such a fabric 
as here proposed, should be attached variously dis- 
posed, spaces for pleasure walks, for green-houses, 
for baths, and for amusements. How many thousands 

* The reader, curious of details on the method of warming 
houses, as practised in Russia and Northern Europe, generally, 
and beginning to be adopted in our public buildings and many pri- 
vate houses, here at home, is referred to the Journal of Health, 
Yol. II. p. 80 & 140. 



79 

of persons, of all ranks, are at this time, living in 
the United Kingdom, in a state of bad health, not 
remediable, or even capable of relief, but by warm 
fresh air, of suitable degrees of temperature ? Such 
states of atmosphere are no where obtainable, except 
perhaps, for a short time, in any climate. The most 
temperate climates afford the required temperatures 
during part of the year only, and the tropical lati- 
tudes from the extreme heat, and existence of the 
causes of disease, are scarcely preferable; some rare 
cases excepted, to many parts of our own island. " 

The third and last of the surfaces, to which the 
attention of the physician is directed, in the preven- 
tive, as well as curative plan for pulmonary consump- 
tion, is, that of the mucous or lining membrane of 
the digestive canal, or of the stomach and intestines. 
Appetite, is too often made a criterion of the kind and 
amount of food to be allowed to phthisical patients, 
whereas, owing to the morbid irritation of the sto- 
mach, so common with them, the appetite is a false 
one, and craves often, substances which this organ is 
utterly unfitted to digest. Andral, high authority 
on such subjects, says, " the frequency of gastritis 
(inflammation of the stomach,) in consumption, being 
well proved, it follows, as a necessary consequence, 
that it is only with the greatest care and attention, 



80 

that we even venture to apply substances of an irri- 
tating nature to the mucous membrane of the stomach. 
Many of the inflammatory affections of this organ in 
plethorical subjects, are aggravated and rendered per- 
manent, by being overlooked and left to themselves* 
merely because they give rise to no very prominent 
symptoms." Dr. Forbes makes the following com- 
mentary on this passage. " In reference to this com- 
plication, 1 w T ould here merely allude to two very 
opposite, yet very common plans of diet, recommend- 
ed in this disease, one almost entirely of animal food, 
with porter, wine, &c, and the other of milk and 
vegetable and farinaceous matters. In such a com- 
plication, the one (the latter,) must be proper, and if 
it do not tend to cure the disease, cannot at least 
accelerate its progress ; the other (the former,) must 
be injurious in the highest degree, both in its present 
operation and future consequences." We fully con- 
cur, ourselves, in the opinion of Dr. Forbes, and we 
believe that a similar distinction and choice, are to 
be made in the use of medicinal substances, the 
soothing and sedative, being preferable to the sti- 
mulating and strongly periurbating. 



FINIS. 



ORIGIN, SYMPTOMS, AND CURE 

INF] I ENZ-A, 
EPIDEM ATARRII: 

cxJmmon col. 

pient tion. 

ad h. 



uuld be in tree from and 

the distil liscourses. — PhiLGaz. 

This work is and will be read with 

. — U. S. Gazettee. 
Th< — the Office of the 

Jourrn .sending it to general 
notice. — Dai: 



PORTE] Y ROOMS, 

.No. 121, C PHILADELPHIA. 



Journal of Health, -a small volume. 

peranum. Trades and Professions 

Journal of Geology and Natv^ri ' on Health and Longevity — a small 

monthly, ' volun 
Journal of Instruction, md Prevention of Sick- 

r annum. J 1 
Health Alman Mineral Waters— 1 

be continued annually, v 



PORTER'S LITERARY ROOMS, 

JYo, 121 Chesnut street, 

PHILADELPHIA. 



THE MONTHLY 

AMERICAN JOURNAL 

OF GEOLOGY A>'D STATU IIAL SCIENCE, 

Conducted by G. W. Featherstonhaugh, Esq. 
Is published on the first of every month — 
Price $3 50 per annum, in advance. 

PORTER'S CATECHISM OF HEALTH, 

Or, plain and simple Rules for the Preserva- 
tion of Health and Vigour of the Constitu- 
tion, from hi fancy to old age. 
Dedicated to the Youth of both sexes, 
throughout the United States, as well as to 
their Parents and Guardians. — Cheap edi- 
tion — Price 37£ cents. 

RECOSOIEXDATIONS. 

The " Catechism of Health," is, in my 
opinion, one of the most useful works of 
that nature ever issued from the Philadel- 
phia press. Its lessons are simple and con- 
vincing; and, if duly regarded, will greatly 
promote the temporal welfare of mankind. 
Our youth, especially, should be induced 
to adopt its rules, and to this end it would 
prove an invaluable book for all our ele- 
mentary schools. ROBERTS VAUX. 

The " Catechism of Health" presents the 
best views upon the most important subject 
connected with the preservation of health. 
A knowledge of its principles should be 
considered an essential part of the educa- 
tion of every individual, and- they cannot 
be too early inculcated. 

J. C. OTTO, M, D. 
One of the physicians of the Pennsylvania 

Hospital. 

The public are deeply indebted to you 
for your Journal of Health, and now for a 
new TVork so eminently calculated to rescue 



thousands of constitutions from ruin. The 
precepts and rules are prescribed in a style 
plain and familiar to all classes, and consti- 
tute a system of inestimable value. 

JAMES THACHER, M. D. 
Author of various medical and historical 
works. 

After hastily examining the contents of 
this work, I feel entire freedom to recom- 
mend it as deserving the patronage of the 
public. I have found it replete with sound 
and valuable instruction, on the subject of 
Health, conveyed in a style so familiar and 
perspicuous, as to be readily understood by 
the class of readers for whom it is profes- 
sedly intended. 

THOMAS HARRIS, M. D. 
Surgeon in the U. S. Navy; Lecturer on 
Operative Surgery, and one of the Sur- 
geons of the Pennsylvania Hospital. 

Extract of a letter from the Hon. James 
Kent, late Chancellor of the state of New 
York, dated May 12, 1831:— "I have read 
through your Catechism of Health, and I 
think it is a code of admirable precepts and 
advice, which ought to be early and deeply 
impressed on the minds of the rising gen- 
eration." 

Extract from a letter addressed to the 
publisher of the Catechism of Health, by- 
Professor Moses Stuart, of Andover, Mass. : 
— "I wish that every man, woman and 
child in our land, would study this Cate- 
chism, imbibe its spirit, and practice its 
principles. It is a bbok especially entitled 
to the notice and patronage of all. Such 
as are entrusted with the care and educa- 
tion of youth; and most persons, of mature 
years, will find in it much that is instructive 



2 



and useful, in respect to the important sub- 
ject of preserving" health." 

This Catechism contains few, if any di- 
rection, which have not been supported by 
the experience of ages. If it should be 
generally read, as an English Class Book, 
in common and higher schools, it would be 
likely to imbue millions with practical wis- 
dom, and Would do much to promote the 
bodily and mental vigour of future genera- 
tions. EZRA STILES ELY, D. D. 
Pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church, 

and Editor of 'the Philadelphian. 

On the Second Wednesday of September, 

1831, was published, No. 1, of the 3d 

Volume of the 

JOURNAL OF HEALTH, 

In addition to the various topics connect- 
ed with the Preservation of Health, a.nd 
promotion of Temperance, it is proposed, 
in the present vol. to enter fully into the 
subject of Physiology, or an account of the 
structure and functions of the various or- 
gans of the system; of Pvblic Hygiene, or 
the means by which the health of cities and 
communities is preserved: — This will of 
course include a consideration of Climate, 
Localities, and the causes of Epidemics, the 
Construction of Dwellings, the Establish- 
ment of Gymnasia and Public Baths, and of 
Medical Police. A due attention will also 
be paid to Medical Jurisprudence, or the 
means of distinguishing accidental deaths 
from those caused by the wilful infliction of 
injuries, or the administration of Poisons. 
The health of Mechanics and Manufactur- 
ers, will likewise not be neglected. 

TERMS — A Number of 16 8vo. pages, 
is issued on the 2d and 4th Wednesday of 
every month, price $1 25 cents per annum, 
payable in advance. The postage on the 
Journal of Health is the same as that on 
newspapers. 

RECOMMENDATIONS . 

1 have read with much pleasure the first 
eight numbers of a publication entitled the 
Journal of Health. The manner in which 
it is conducted, the principles which it in- 
culcates, and the style in which they are 
conveyed, in my opinion, entitle that work 
to public confidence, while it remains in 
the hands of its present Editors. 

DAVID HOSACK, M. D. 
Professor of the Institutes and Practice of 

Medicine in Rutger's College, New York. 
January 14, 1830. 

I have also read the numbers already is- 
aued of the above mentioned publication, 



and unite in approving both of its object 
and execution. JAMES MILNOR, 

Beet or of St. Gecrge's Church, N. York. 
January 15, 1830. 

I cheerfully concur in opinion with the 
two preceding gentlemen. 

VALENTINE MOTT, M. D. 

Professor of Surgery. 

We are much pleased with the design 
and execution of the Journal of Health. 
The Editors wisely abstain from the discus- 
sion of technical medicine, which can nev- 
er be profitably entered into except by the 
faculty. But the principles for the regu- 
lation and preservation of Health may be 
easily divested of all terms of art, and the 
Disciples of Hyg-eia need repair to those 
of Apollo only when they have violated 
their own precepts. We wish the Journal 
every success in the dispersion of those 
principles, by which it has thus far been 
characterized, winch coincide in the main, 
with the efforts and wishes of every well- 
disposed citizen. 

JOHN W. FRANCIS, M. D. 
Professor of Obstetrics and Forensic Medi- 
cine, Bulger's College, New York. 

I have perused some of the numbers of 
the "Journal of Health," and while I am 
far from being a competent judge of its 
merits, have been instructed and gratified 
by what I have read. Such a work, it ap- 
pears to me, in the hands of able conduct- 
ors, might be exceedingly useful; and es- 
pecially, if it should aim at promoting a 
good moral influence. 

GARDINER SPRING. 

New York, January 15, 1830. 

After an examination of the first six num- 
bers of the Journal of Health, it gives me 
pleasure to express my* favourable opinion 
of it, and my wish to see it extensively 
circulated. J. P. SCHROEDER, 

An Assistant Minister of Trinity Church, 

New York. 
January 18th, 1830. 

New York, January \5th, 1830. 

I have read some of the numbers of the 
Journal of Health, with great pleasure. 
To me it appears to be judiciously con- 
ducted; and I have no hesitation in saying, 
that in a moral po ; nt of view it will be 
eminently useful. Of hV correctness and 
utility, as a Meflical Treatise, I am not suf- 
ficiently qualified to venture an opinion. 
As far as regards myself, I am pleased 
with it. J NO. POWER, 

Rector of the Cathedral, and Vicar- General 

of the Diocess of New York. 



New York, January 21, 1830. 
Judging from the first nine numbers of 
the journal of Health, I have formed a very 
favourable opin ; on of its utility, as a popu- 
lar work; and cheerfully recommend it to 
the patronage of the public. 

ALEX. H. STEVENS, M. D. 
Professor of Surgery in the College^ of Phy- 
sicians and Surgeons of New York. 

I have read with much interest the first 
nine numbers of the Journal of Health, 
and it gives me pleasure to say, that, in my 
opinion, it possesses more merit, and is bet- 
ter calculated to enlighten the public mind 
on the subject of health, without the haz- 
ard of inculcating error, than any popular 
work I have seen on the subject of Medi- 
cine. A. W. IVES, M. D. 
New York, Park Place, Jan. 11,1830. 

We approve of the plan on which the 
publication, entitled the "JOURNAL OF 
HEALTH," is conducted, and believe that 
it is calculated to be useful, by enlightening 
public opinion on a subject of high impor- 
tance to the welfare of society. The num- 
bers which have appeared, evince talent, 
and mav be viewed as a pledge of the con- 
tinued usefulness of the publication, while 
conducted by its present editors. We, 
therefore, feel no hesitation in recommend- 
ing it to public patronage. 

Philadelphia, Oct. 13,1829. 

N Chapman, M.D \ Profmn {n 
Wm.P Dewees, MD f ^^ of 
Thomas C.James, M.D ( 



the 



Wm. E. Horner, M.D. 



Pennsylvania. 



John C. Otto, M. I). 
Thomas T. Hewson, M. D. 
Franklin Bache, M. D. 
Rev. James Montgomery, D.D. Rector of St. 
Stephen's Church. 

William H De Lancey, D. D. Prorost 
of the University- of P ennsvlvania. 

B.B. Smith, Editor of the Philadelphia 
Recorder, and Rector of Grace 
Church. •■ . 

G. T Bedell, Rector of St. Andrew's 
Church. 

James dbercromb>'e,Ti .~D. Assistant Mini- 
ster of Christ Church and St. Peter's. 

George TVeller. 

Jackson Kemper, D.D. Assistant Mini- 
ster of Christ Church and St. Pe- 
ter's. 

Thomas H. Skinner, D. D. Pastor of 
the Fifth Presbyterian Church. 

Wm. M. Engles, Pastor of the Seventh 
Presbyterian Church. 

John Hughes, Pastor of St. Joseph's 
Catholic Church. 

Michael Hurley, Pastor of St, Augustine 
Catholic Church. 



Wm. H. Furness, Pastor of the First 
Congregational Church. 

W. T. Brantley, Pastor of the,. First 
Baptist Church and Editor of the 
Columbian Star. 

John L. Dagg, Pastor of the Fifth 
Baptist Church. 

Solomon Higgins, Pastor of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Union Church. 

Manning Force, Pastor of St. George's 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Plymouth, March 17, 1830. 
Gentlemen, — This work is in my opinion 
fraught with interest to the community at 
large, as well as to families and individuals. 
It is well calculated to carry important in- 
formation into the domestic circle .where it 
must prove of the greatest utility. It dis- 
seminates a species of knowledge of daily 
application'in domestic life, which can sel- 
dom be derived from any other source. The 
work is well adapted to the benevolent pur- 
pose of warning parents and other individ- 
uals against the dangerous consequences 
resulting from the use of ponderous medi- 
cine in family practice, without medical ad- 
vice. It will, I hope and trust, have a 
salutary tendency to guard the public 
against the horrid evils of empirical prac- 
tice, charlatanry, and nostrum vending In 
fact, I consider the Journal' of Health, a 
work of considerable merit, honourable to 
the benevolent association by whom it is 
conducted, and deserving of the applause 
of the public . I shall take pleasure in pro- 
moting its diffusion in this quarter, by mak- 
ing extracts from it for our newspapers. 
JAMES THACHEK, M. D. 

EFFECTS OF ARTS AND TRADES. * 

The effects ofjhe principal Arts, Trades and 
Professions, and of the civic, states, and 
Habits of Living, on Health and Longe- 
vity. 

This work is expressly calculated for all 
classes of mechanics, manufacturers, and 
field labourers, as well as for the different 
professions. Cheap edition: price 37% cents.* 



TREATISE 03" BATHS AXD XIN'ERAX WATERS. 

Just published, in one volume, 12mo. p. p. 

532, a Treatise on Baths and Mineral 

Waters, 

Including an account of the influence 
on health, and in the cure of disease, of 
cold and sea bathing, warm, hot and vapour 
baths, and of the chief Mineral Springs in 
the United States, — Saratoga, Ballstown 
—Bedford— White, Red, Salt, Sulphur, 
Sweet, Warm and Hot Springs, Virginia — 
Harodsburg, Kentucky, &c. &c, By John 
BelL M. D. 



PORTER'S HEALTH ALMANAC, 

fob. 1832; 
Calculated generally for all parts of the 

United States : containing 80 Quarto 

pages. Price 12£ cents. 

The Maxims and Rules for the preserva- 
tion of Health, under the direction of the 
Editors of the Journal of Health. 

Porter's Health Almanac, for 1832. This 
is precisely what its title specifies, and 
more than a reader has a right to expect in 
such a publication. It is the grand desider- 
atum of the healthy, the sickly, the young", 
and the old; the valetudinarian, and robust 
epicure. We sincerely admire an Almanac 
in which, when a man consults the stats or 
the moon, the tides or the eclipses, he can 
meet with an apt maxim that. will avert a 
fever, a cold, an apoplexy, an ague, a gout, 
or the gravel. Success we say to the Al- 
manac of Health; it is the best Almanac in 
the world, and it deserves the best circula- 
tion next to the "circulation of the blood. " 
Pennsylvania Whig. 

From the Sunday School Journal of Not. 16, 1S31. 
VALUABLE CLASS OF PERIODICALS. 

Porter's Health Almanac for 1832/ the Jour- 
nal of Health; the Monthly American Jour- 
nal of Geology and Natural Science,- Cate- 
chism of Healthy &c 

The above are the titles of a series of 
periodical publications from the Philadel- 
phia press, for which our community, pri- 
marily, are indebted to the enterprise and 
ingenuity of a single individual, who is the 
publisher of them all. 

We needed exceedingly a kind of popu- 
lar reading, which should avoid all irritat- 
ing subjects, and at the same time cultivate, 
' improve, and purify public taste and senti- 
ment. 

Connected with the preservation or res- 
toration of health is temperance, sobriety, 
cheerfulness, and good habits of body and 
mind. All these interesting and important 
subjects may be discussed incidentally in a 
popular form, and with much greater effect 
than in elaborate treatises and discussions. 
Facts and arguments that then commend 
themselves instantly to our experience and 
conscience and common sense, leave us no 
time for doubt and speculation. 

In the constitution of our nature it is pro- 
vided by infinite kindness, that obedience 
to the precepts of God's law shall most ef- 
fectually promote our present peace and 
comfort. Godliness "hath the promise of 
the life that now is," as well as "of that 
which is to come." Hence the connexion 
between our moral and physical habits is 
so close and complete, that irregularity in 
either always produces irregularity in the 
other. 

The Journal of Health is a semi-monthly 



publication, sixteen pages, 8vo. ; $1 25 « 
year. The subjects on which it treats are 
of the most interesting and popular cha- 
racter, and the manner of treating them is . 
simple and thorough. No one can read it 
without interest and improvement; and it 
can offend none, except those whose vices 
and follies it censures, and would fain cor- 
rect. The article on milk in our present 
number, and the article on the eye in our 
last, are fair specimens of the character and 
style of the Journal of Health. 

The Almanac is compiled with judg- 
ment and taste, and contains a variety of 
interesting articles of permanent value. 

The Journal of Geology has reached its 
fifth number. It is strictly scientific, though 
not so stiff or technical as might be antici- 
pated. 

The Catechism of Health is a small volume, 
18mo., fall of excellent matter, and suited 
to the wants of the age. 

We have noticed these publications, be- 
cause we think their general circulation 
would essentially advance the interests of 
education, and because the manner of con- 
ducting them is peculiarly fitted to improve 
without offending the popular taste. 

SICK HEADACHE. 

JtrsT published and for sale by all the 
principal Booksellers — Causes, Cure, and 
Means of preventing the Sick Headache — 
by James Mease, M. D. Member of Ameri- 
can Philosophical Society, &c. &c. 3d Edi- 
tion. This work has met with the most 
'decided approbation of the public press,and 
will be found a very valuable addition to all 
family libraries. 



VISIONS OF QUEVEDO. 

In the Press and will be published on 
Jan. 1,1832, Visions of Quevedo, translated 
from the Spanish by Wm. Elliot, Esq. This 
work will be found an interesting and in- 
structive volume. 

Contents. — Notice of the Life of Que- 
vedo. Night First — The Demon. Night 
Second — Death and her Palace. Night 
Third — The Last Judgme nt. Night Fourth 
The Country and Palace" of Love. Night 
Fifth— The World. „*#ight Sixth— Hell. 
Night Seventh — Reformation of Hell. 



JOURNAL OF HEALTH, Vols.l and 2, 

may be had in various bindings. 

All the above works are recommended 
by some of the first Physicians, Divines, 
and Periodicals of the United States. 

ORDERS, inclosing CASH, will be 
promptly attended to. Any of the above 
works will be put up in bindings, adapted* 
to send by mail. 



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